COPD—pharmakologische Basisbehandlung und Zukunft der antiinflammatorischen Therapie

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. It is caused by chronic inflammation of the airways and the lung parenchyma. Symptomatic treatment is based on bronchodilatation, which leads to a reduction of hyperinflation and relief of dyspnea. Smoking cessation is the only known causative treatment option. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) reduce exacerbations and, potentially, mortality. Future therapies should ameliorate chronic inflammation and thus stop the annual decline of lung function. In face of increasing mortality and morbidity more research is needed.

Statins may reduce episodes of exacerbation and the requirement for intubation in patients with COPD: evidence from a retrospective cohort study

“…There has been growing interest in the anti‐inflammatory properties of the hydroxymethyl glutaryl CoA reductase inhibitor class of cholesterol‐lowering agents (statins). In fact, it has been postulated that the chronic inflammation associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) might be ameliorated by statins (1,2). Recent studies from the laboratory (3,4) have provided additional promise for the use of statins in COPD and, in fact, there are now data from observational studies supporting the potential value of statins in subjects with COPD (5,6).…”