This 4-year clinical trial investigated whether the long-acting anticholinergic tiotropium could reduce the rate of decline in lung function for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The trial found that tiotropium provided statistically significant improvements in lung function, quality of life, and exacerbation rates compared to placebo. However, tiotropium did not significantly alter the overall rate of decline in lung function over the 4-year period.

1. A 4-Year Trial of Tiotropium in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Donald P. Tashkin, M.D., Bartolome Celli, M.D., Stephen Senn, Ph.D., Deborah Burkhart, B.S.N., Steven Kesten, M.D., Shailendra Menjoge, Ph.D., Marc Decramer, M.D., Ph.D., for the UPLIFT Study Investigators Bassel Ericsoussi, PG-Y3 Internal Medicine Advocate Christ Medical Center N Engl J Med Volume 359(15):1543-1554 October 9, 2008

11. Baseline characteristics and concomitant use of respiratory medications were similar in the two study groups > 45 yr At least 10 packs-yr Moderate to very severe Moderate Severe Very severe According to criteria of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)

15. In the tiotropium group, FVC significantly improved before and after bronchodilation