The effect of isoproterenol on airway obstruction in cystic fibrosis.

The effect of isoproterenol inhalations was studied on 95 occasions in 47 patients with cystic fibrosis.Spirometric and airway resistance measurements showed small but statistically significant changes in the MMEF, MBC and airway resistance, although there was considerable variation from patient to patient. Over-inflation of the lungs, as indicated by a high thoracic gas volume, was not significantly decreased by the administration of the drug.It is suggested that before using isoproterenol routinely as a treatment for cystic fibrosis, response to this drug should be measured in each individual patient.