Abstract: AIM: To observe the effects of combined application of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate(seretide) powder for inhalation with theophylline sustained-release tablets on the variation of pulmonary artery pressure and right cardiac function in patients with stable pulmonary obstructive disease(COPD). METHODS: Retrospective analyses were performed in 128 COPD patients in their stable phase after therapy on hospitalization and long-term management on outpatient basis in our hospital from Sept. 2010 to Jun. 2012. after one year inhalation of secretide for determination and comparison of the right ventricular geometry parameters and Doppler parameters. RESULTS: Different baseline level of pulmonary artery pressure patient determined by echocardiography in the three groups of patients varied to a certain extent before and after therapy, yet the parameters showed no statistical difference in patients with normal pulmonary artery pressure(P>0.05). Significant pulmonary systolic pressure was observed in MPH group, with decreased right ventricular Tei index (P<0.05). In SPH group, the changes were seen concerning right ventricular Tei index, transverse RA of right atrium and anterior and posterior diameter of the RV, which were statistically different. Nevertheless, there was no statistical difference regarding the RVAW, MPA, RVESV, EVEDV, RVSV, PASP and RVEF. Enlarged right atrium and ventricle as well as widened inner diameter of the MPA to a certain degree were found in patients with mild, moderate to severe pulmonary artery pressure as compared with those in NPH group. The PASP in MPH group showed no correlation with the Tei index, and the RA and RV also had no significant correlation with the Tei index of right ventricle in SPH group. CONCLUSION: Combined utilization of seretide with theophylline can improve the right cardiac function of patients with stable COPD.

Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), Seretide (Salmeterol/fluticasone), pulmonary hypertension, ventricular function