Improvements with tiotropium in COPD patients with concomitant asthma

Summary Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma have different diagnostic criteria and treatment paradigms. Both are common and can occur in the same patient. We sought to determine the spirometric effects of tiotropium in COPD patients with concomitant asthma. Methods A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial with tiotropium 18 mcg daily was performed. Patients continued usual respiratory medications except for inhaled anticholinergics. Inclusion criteria : Physician diagnosis of COPD and asthma, age ⩾40 years, smoking >10 pack years, post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1 )