In the management of non-CF bronchiectasis, bronchodilator treatment (LABA)and use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is still a matter of debate. Previous studies have claimed beneficial effects of ICS (with or without bronchodilator), such as improvement of the HRQL, a reduction in daily sputum volume and/or exacerbation frequency. However, in all previous studies there was no clear exclusion of patients with asthma or COPD, or no use of placebo. The current study will be the first study evaluating the effect of ICS/LABA treatment in non-CF bronchiectasis excluding patients with asthma and COPD.~This is a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing Formoterol-beclomethasone 12/200 mcg BID versus placebo to evaluate the reduction in cough measured by the Leicester cough questionnaire. Secondary objectives are the improvement of health-related quality of life and symptoms, reduction in sputum production, pulmonary function (FEV1) and the frequency of exacerbation. Furthemore, we will assess the inflammatory response in serum and sputum.~After a wash-out period of 1 month, eligible subjects will be randomized to treatment with formoterol-beclomethasone or matching placebo. All subjects will be treated with the regimen of medication for 3 months. An end-of-study (EOS) visit will be performed after completion of the follow-up period.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing formoterol-beclometason 12/200 mcg BID versus placebo to evaluate the clinical effect on coughing in patients with non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis, native to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy and no history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)