Bronchodilator test in extreme old age: Adverse effects of short-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonists with clinical repercussion and bronchodilator response.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate chronological age as a limiting factor to perform the bronchodilator test, determine significant adverse effects of short-acting beta 2 agonists with clinical repercussions, and assess bronchodilator response in extreme-old-age patients who undergo the spirometry test. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and retrospective study. The sample was extracted from the database (spirometer and respiratory questionnaire) of a pulmonary function service. Patients over 90 years old were included in the research, and we evaluated their bronchodilator response and its significant adverse effects that may have clinical repercussions related to the bronchodilator. RESULTS: A sample of 25 patients aged 92.12 ± 2.22 years (95% CI, 91.20 - 93.04), with a minimum age of 90 years and a maximum of 97 years and a predominance of females with 72% (18/25). The bronchodilator test was performed in 84% (21/25) of the patients. The bronchodilator response was evaluated in 19 of the 21 patients (90.47%) who underwent the bronchodilator test. Two tests did not meet the criteria of acceptability and reproducibility. No clinical adverse effects were observed with the bronchodilator medication (salbutamol) during or after the exam. CONCLUSIONS: Chronological age is not a limiting factor for the bronchodilator test, short-acting beta-2 agonists did not present adverse effects with significant clinical repercussion and were useful in the diagnosis and therapeutic guidance of extreme-old-age patients.