Neutrophils and spirometry changes in COPD patients treated with roflumilast

Purpose: A new approach concerning COPD treatment includes controlling the inflammation for its important role in the exacerbation. Roflumilast is an oral phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor that targets inflammatory cells involved in triggering COPD exacerbations. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a PDE4 (Roflumilast) inhibitor for its contribution to phagocytic activity in COPD patients. Methods: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with COPD received roflumilast once daily for 6 months and more in combination with other COPD treatments Spirometry measurements were applied and peripheral blood samples were taken from the COPD patients at indicated time-points. The first sample was taken before receiving roflumilast, the second after 3 months and the third after 6 months. Examination of defective phagocytosis by flow cytometry was made by the FagoFlowEx® Kit (Exbio, Diagnostics). Statistical analysis was performed by Statistica software. Furthermore, FEV1 and FVC spirometry values were measured. Results: Phogocytic activity was increased during the 6 months period when compared to the first sample (p Conclusion: Treatment with roflumilast induces phagocytic activity which improves lung function and is estimated to reduce exacerbations.