Effects of Inhaled Tiotropium Bromide on Severity of Airflow Obstruction During Long-term Treatment in Patients With Moderately Severe Copd. Impact on Severity and Incidence of Exacerbations.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of a one-year treatment with inhaled tiotropium bromide 18 mcg once daily on lung function, incidence and severity of exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The secondary purpose was to explore possible relationships between lung function changes and occurrence of COPD exacerbations and to try to characterize these exacerbations.