Effect of Albuterol Repetabs on Pulmonary Function in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of 12 weeks of twice daily albuterol repetabs on pulmonary function in persons with chronic spinal cord injury.

DESIGN

Twelve-week prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Research laboratories.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty two individuals (N=32) with chronic spinal cord injury.

INTERVENTIONS: Albuterol repetabs or placebo, twice daily, for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pulmonary function tests and maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures.

RESULTS

Interaction effects were found for expiratory reserve volume and forced expiratory volume. Improvements in the drug group were found for total lung capacity, vital capacity, expiratory reserve volume, and maximal inspiratory pressure. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second did not change in the drug group but trended toward a significant decrease in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Twelve weeks of albuterol treatment improved overall pulmonary function and ventilatory muscle strength, compared to placebo, in those living with spinal cord injury.