A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 4 studies with a total of 169 subjects. Mean change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) at 2 hours was similar in methylxanthine and placebo groups but transiently increased with methylxanthines at 3 days (WMD 101 ml, 95% CI 26 to 177). Data on clinical outcomes were sparse. Trends toward improvements in hospitalisation and length-of-stay were offset by a trend toward more relapses at one week. Changes in symptom scores were not significant. Methylxanthines caused more nausea and vomiting than placebo (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.7 to 12.6) and trended toward more frequent tremor, palpitations, and arrhythmias.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by sparse data.
Primary/Secondary Keywords