The efficacy of almitrine bismesylate on hypoxemia, exercise performance and sleep desaturation of patients with severe copd

Abstract

Almitrine bismesylate (AB), a peripheral chemorecep- tor agonist, has been shown to improve arterial blood gases in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study was designed to test the efficacy of almitrine bismesylate in patients with COPD. AB was administered 3 mg/kg po bid to 17 patients (12 men, 5 women, mean predicted FEV1%:33%(21-51). Arterial blood gas analysis revealed incline of Pa02 from 55.2111.7 mmHg to62.7110.4 mmHg and incline of oxygen saturation (Sa02) from 84.319.7% to 89.716.1% (p<0.003, p<0.002) 3 hours after intake of a single dose, 7 patients dropped out of the study. Mean Pa02 increased 10.2 mmHg (p<0.003), mean PaC02 decreased 8.5 mmHg (p<0.003) and oxygen saturation increased 5.9%(p<0.009) 3 months after in 10 patients.