Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth leading reason of death in the nation, and its prevalence and mortality are increasing in the coming decades. Exacerbations of COPD are common in some subjects and they need a larger dose of corticosteroids for its management during that period of time.The dosage of the drug varies between 1-8 mg and it varies according to patient’s condition, method of use and history. The efficacy of systemic and nebulised corticosteroids are similar. The aim of the present study is to determine the role of budesonide in management of COPD patients. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted using 150 subjects of COPD reporting to the institute. The study was approved by the institutional ethical board. The criteria given by the American Thoracic Society was used to classify subjects of COPD. They were given 8 nebulised doses of corticosteroid and were given infusion of 50 ml of saline every visit. Same type of nebuliser was also used for giving the nebulised dose. All the subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group I patients were given bronchodilator with salbutamol (2.5 mg qid)and 0.5mg/ 2ml of ipratropium bromide. Group 2 patients were given a combined nebulised solution of salbutamol and ipratropium bromide q.i.d. and they were also given nebulised budesonide (1500 mg qid). Student t test and annova test were used for the comparative analysis. Probability value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The present study enrolled 150 subjects; out of this majority were males. The subjects were divided into two groups randomly. There were 75 subjects in each group. The mean FVC% in group 1 at 24 hours was 64.4+/-21.3 and at 7th day was 64.7+/-19.8. The mean FVC% in group II at 24 hours was 63.3+/-20.5 and at 7th day was 68.7+/-22.6. There was no significant difference between the two as the p value was more than 0.05. Conclusion: From the above study we can conclude that high doses of budesonide were found to be equally effective as systemic corticosteroids in management of acute exacerbations of COPD. Key words: budesonide , corticosteroids, exacerbations