Background: Parasympatolytics are recommended as the first choice remedy in patients with the chronic obstructive lung disease. Though their side effects are rare, some physicians are afraid of they can in high doses influence the cardiovascular system. The aim of the work was to ascertain whether the inhalation of 0.12 mg of ipratropium bromide might affect the systemic and pulmonary circulation.
Methods and results: 15 patients (10 males, 5 females, average age 61.8 +/- 10.3 years) with chronic obstructive lung disease (13) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (2) were examined during the period of disease stabilisation. Results of the right-side catheterization were not statistically changed (p < 0.91) 30 or 60 minutes after the inhaling of 0.12 of ipratropium. Also the value of the pick expiratory forced rate (PEFR) was not statistically increased (p < 0.25).
Conclusions: Inhaling of 0.12 mg of ipratropium in patients with serious chronic pneumopathies did not affect systemic or pulmonary hemodynamics. Such dose appears to be safe even for patients with the chronic ischaemic hart disease.