Comparative efficacy of doxophylline-ambroxol combination versus aminophylline in the management of acute exacerbations of COPD: A retrospective case-control study

Background: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) manifests as sudden respiratory symptom aggravation and airflow decline, substantially elevating mortality risk, making therapeutic optimization crucial for patient outcomes. Objectives: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of the combination therapy of Doxophylline ambroxol and Aminophylline monotherapy in the treatment of AECOPD. Methods: This retrospective study included 120 AECOPD patients admitted from April 2022 to April 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: the control group received aminophylline, while the study group received doxophylline and ambroxol for 10 days. Clinical efficacy, pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC), inflammatory markers (CRP, PCT, WBC, NEUT%), blood gas parameters (PaO2, PaCO2), CAT and CCQ scores and adverse events were compared pre- and post-treatment. Results: Post-treatment, both groups showed significant improvements in FEV1, FVC, FEV1% and FEV1/FVC compared to baseline (P0.05). Conclusion: Doxophylline-ambroxol combination therapy is more effective than aminophylline in improving pulmonary function and reducing inflammation in AECOPD, with equivalent safety.