The association of inhaled corticosteroid use with serum glucose concentration in a large cohort

Guideline Alignment and Medication Concordance in COPD

BACKGROUND

Provider adherence to clinical treatment guidelines in COPD is low. However, for patients to receive guideline-aligned care, providers not only must prescribe guideline-aligned care, but also must communicate that regimen successfully to patients to ensure medication concordance. The rate of medication concordance between patients and providers and its impact on clinical management is unknown in COPD.

RESEARCH QUESTION

To examine rates of guideline alignment and medication concordance and to identify patient-level factors that place patients at risk for these types of poor disease management outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was a secondary data analysis of the Medication Adherence Research in COPD study (2017-2023). Participants were categorized into 2017 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage. Medication regimens were classified as aligned or nonaligned with 2017 GOLD guidelines. Nonaligned regimens were stratified further into overuse and underuse categories. Medication concordance between provider-reported and participant-reported regimens was determined. Factors associated with guideline alignment and medication concordance were evaluated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 191 participants, 51% of provider-reported regimens were guideline aligned, with 86% of nonaligned regimens reflecting overuse with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Thirty-eight percent of participants reported different regimens than their providers, of which > 80% reflected participants not reporting medications their providers reported prescribing. Participants did not report long-acting muscarinic antagonists and long-acting beta-agonists at similar rates as ICSs. Greater symptom burden and absence of a pulmonologist on the care team were associated with both guideline misalignment and medication discordance. Cognitive impairment and Black race additionally were associated with medication discordance.

INTERPRETATION

Guideline misalignment and medication discordance were common and were driven by overuse of ICSs and unreported medications, respectively. The patient-level factors associated with medication discordance highlight the importance of improving patient-provider communication to improve clinical management in COPD.

Treating the Side Effects of Exogenous Glucocorticoids; Can We Separate the Good From the Bad?

It is estimated that 2% to 3% of the population are currently prescribed systemic or topical glucocorticoid treatment. The potent anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids to deliver therapeutic benefit is not in doubt. However, the side effects associated with their use, including central weight gain, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and osteoporosis, often collectively termed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, are associated with a significant health and economic burden. The precise cellular mechanisms underpinning the differential action of glucocorticoids to drive the desirable and undesirable effects are still not completely understood. Faced with the unmet clinical need to limit glucocorticoid-induced adverse effects alongside ensuring the preservation of anti-inflammatory actions, several strategies have been pursued. The coprescription of existing licensed drugs to treat incident adverse effects can be effective, but data examining the prevention of adverse effects are limited. Novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators have been designed that aim to specifically and selectively activate anti-inflammatory responses based upon their interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor. Several of these compounds are currently in clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy. More recently, strategies exploiting tissue-specific glucocorticoid metabolism through the isoforms of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase has shown early potential, although data from clinical trials are limited. The aim of any treatment is to maximize benefit while minimizing risk, and within this review we define the adverse effect profile associated with glucocorticoid use and evaluate current and developing strategies that aim to limit side effects but preserve desirable therapeutic efficacy.

Impact of inhaled and intranasal corticosteroids on glucose metabolism and diabetes mellitus: A mini review

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and intranasal corticosteroids (INS) are the mainstays of treatment for chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and allergic rhinosinusitis. In addition, these localized forms of steroid therapy are generally considered to have fewer systemic side effects compared to long-term oral corticosteroids. However, concern and controversy remain over the impact of ICS and INS on the incidence and control of diabetes mellitus (DM). Given the widespread use of ICS and INS, even small individual effects on DM could lead to large consequences for the global popu-lation. Multiple large observational studies suggest that high dose ICS is associated with increased incident DM and worsened DM control, though the contribution of other risk factors is less certain. In addition, only two studies were done to investigate the association of INS and DM, with both studies demon-strating a short-term association of INS use with hyperglycemia. While more research evaluating the risk of ICS/INS for DM-related adverse events is needed, high doses of ICS/INS should be avoided when possible. The following strategies for ICS/INS dose minimization can be considered: Use of non-pharmacological measures (trigger avoidance, smoking cessation, vaccination to avoid infection), control of comorbid conditions, use of non-ICS-containing medications, inter-mittent rather than regular ICS dosing, and appropriate de-escalation of high ICS doses.

Cardiovascular diseases or type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic airway diseases: mutual pharmacological interferences

Chronic airway diseases (CAD), mainly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are frequently associated with different comorbidities. Among them, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) pose problems for the simultaneous treatment of CAD and comorbidity. Indeed, there is evidence that some drugs used to treat CAD negatively affect comorbidity, and, conversely, some drugs used to treat comorbidity may aggravate CAD. However, there is also growing evidence of some beneficial effects of CAD drugs on comorbidities and, conversely, of the ability of some of those used to treat comorbidity to reduce the severity of lung disease. In this narrative review, we first describe the potential cardiovascular risks and benefits for patients using drugs to treat CAD and the potential lung risks and benefits for patients using drugs to treat CVD. Then, we illustrate the possible negative and positive effects on T2DM of drugs used to treat CAD and the potential negative and positive impact on CAD of drugs used to treat T2DM. The frequency with which CAD and CVD or T2DM are associated requires not only considering the effect that drugs used for one disease condition may have on the other but also providing an opportunity to develop therapies that simultaneously favorably impact both diseases.

Trends and Rural-Urban Differences in the Initial Prescription of Low-Value Inhaled Corticosteroids among U.S. Veterans with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale: Guidelines recommend inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and select indications, including asthma history, high exacerbation risk, or high serum eosinophils. ICS are commonly prescribed outside of these indications, despite evidence of harm. We defined a "low-value" ICS prescription as the receipt of an ICS without evidence of a guideline-recommended indication. ICS prescription patterns are not well characterized and could inform health system interventions to reduce low-value practices. Objectives: To evaluate the national trends in initial low-value ICS prescriptions in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and to determine whether rural-urban differences in low-value ICS prescribing exist. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study between January 4, 2010, and December 31, 2018, identifying veterans with COPD who were new users of inhaler therapy. We defined low-value ICS as prescriptions in patients with 1) no asthma, 2) low risk of future exacerbation (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease group A or B), and 3) serum eosinophils <300 cells/μl. We performed multivariable logistic regression to evaluate trends in low-value ICS prescription over time, adjusting for potential confounders. We performed fixed effects logistic regression to assess rural-urban prescribing patterns. Results: We identified a total of 131,009 veterans with COPD starting inhaler therapy, 57,472 (44%) of whom were prescribed low-value ICS as initial therapy. From 2010 to 2018, the probability of receiving low-value ICS as initial therapy increased by 0.42 percentage points per year (95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.53). Compared with urban residence, rural residence was associated with a 2.5-percentage-point (95% confidence interval, 1.9-3.1) higher probability of receiving low-value ICS as initial therapy. Conclusions: The prescription of low-value ICS as initial therapy is common and increasing slightly over time for both rural and urban veterans. Given the widespread and persistent nature of low-value ICS prescribing, health system leaders should consider system-wide approaches to address this low-value prescribing practice.

Diabetes as one of the long-term COVID-19 complications: from the potential reason of more diabetic patients' susceptibility to COVID-19 to the possible caution of future global diabetes tsunami

According to recent researches, people with diabetes mellitus (type 1 and 2) have a higher incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this regard, COVID-19 may make diabetic patients more sensitive to hyperglycemia by modifying the immunological and inflammatory responses and increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) predisposing the patients to severe COVID-19 and potentially lethal results. Actually, in addition to COVID-19, diabetic patients have been demonstrated to have abnormally high levels of inflammatory cytokines, increased virus entrance, and decreased immune response. On the other hand, during the severe stage of COVID-19, the SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have lymphopenia and inflammatory cytokine storms that cause damage to several body organs such as β cells of the pancreas which may make them as future diabetic candidates. In this line, the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, which is activated by a number of mediators, plays a substantial part in cytokine storms through various pathways. In this pathway, some polymorphisms also make the individuals more competent to diabetes via infection with SARS-CoV-2. On the other hand, during hospitalization of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, the use of some drugs may unintentionally lead to diabetes in the future via increasing inflammation and stress oxidative. Thus, in this review, we will first explain why diabetic patients are more susceptible to COVID-19. Second, we will warn about a future global diabetes tsunami via the SARS-CoV-2 as one of its long-term complications.

The Lipid Profile and Biochemical Parameters of COPD Patients in Relation to Smoking Status

Tobacco consumption is the most incriminated and studied risk factor for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but other factors such as air pollution, are also linked to this disease. One of the known aspects of this chronic lung disease is that its occurrence is mainly due to the chronic inflammation of the airways. Lipid metabolism seems to be affected by smoking, with studies showing a correlation between this habit and high levels of triglycerides and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-CHOL). Uric acid concentration is thought to reflect the antioxidative capacity of the body because it is the most abundant aqueous antioxidant. The aim of this study was to investigate the lipid profile and biochemical parameters of COPD patients in relation to smoking status. The present study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 in the Clinical Hospital of Pneumology in Iasi, Romania. Patients diagnosed with COPD (n = 52) were included and divided in three groups depending on their smoking status: non-smokers, smokers and ex-smokers. The obtained results show low correlations between COPD stages and serum uric acid concentrations (r = 0.4; p ˂ 0.05), smoking status (smoker/non-smoker/ex-smoker) and total serum cholesterol values (r = 0.45; p ˂ 0.05), but also between serum urea concentrations and the number of packs-years for the smoker/ex-smoker groups (r = 0.45, p ˂ 0.05). Smoking was associated with changes in the lipid profile of smokers and ex-smokers, along with increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CHOL) and low serum uric acid values.

Fresh insights into glucocorticoid-induced diabetes mellitus and new therapeutic directions

Glucocorticoid hormones were discovered to have use as potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapeutics in the 1940s and their continued use and development have successfully revolutionized the management of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. However, long-term use of glucocorticoids is severely hampered by undesirable metabolic complications, including the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. These effects occur due to glucocorticoid receptor activation within multiple tissues, which results in inter-organ crosstalk that increases hepatic glucose production and inhibits peripheral glucose uptake. Despite the high prevalence of glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycaemia associated with their routine clinical use, treatment protocols for optimal management of the metabolic adverse effects are lacking or underutilized. The type, dose and potency of the glucocorticoid administered dictates the choice of hypoglycaemic intervention (non-insulin or insulin therapy) that should be provided to patients. The longstanding quest to identify dissociated glucocorticoid receptor agonists to separate the hyperglycaemic complications of glucocorticoids from their therapeutically beneficial anti-inflammatory effects is ongoing, with selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators in clinical testing. Promising areas of preclinical research include new mechanisms to disrupt glucocorticoid signalling in a tissue-selective manner and the identification of novel targets that can selectively dissociate the effects of glucocorticoids. These research arms share the ultimate goal of achieving the anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids without the metabolic consequences.

Therapeutic approaches targeting molecular signaling pathways common to diabetes, lung diseases and cancer

Diabetes mellitus (DM), is the most common metabolic disease and is characterized by sustained hyperglycemia. Accumulating evidences supports a strong association between DM and numerous lung diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fibrosis, and lung cancer (LC). The global incidence of DM-associated lung disorders is rising and several ongoing studies, including clinical trials, aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking DM with lung disorders, in particular LC. Several potential mechanisms, including hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, glycation, inflammation, and hypoxia, are cited as plausible links between DM and LC. In addition, studies also propose a connection between the use of anti-diabetic medications and reduction in the incidence of LC. However, the exact cause for DM associated lung diseases especially LC is not clear and is an area under intense investigation. Herein, we review the biological links reported between DM and lung disorders with an emphasis on LC. Furthermore, we report common signaling pathways (eg: TGF-β, IL-6, HIF-1, PDGF) and miRNAs that are dysregulated in DM and LC and serve as molecular targets for therapy. Finally, we propose a nanomedicine based approach for delivering therapeutics (eg: IL-24 plasmid DNA, HuR siRNA) to disrupt signaling pathways common to DM and LC and thus potentially treat DM-associated LC. Finally, we conclude that the effective modulation of commonly regulated signaling pathways would help design novel therapeutic protocols for treating DM patients diagnosed with LC.

Combination therapies with thiazolidinediones are associated with a lower risk of acute exacerbations in new-onset COPD patients with advanced diabetic mellitus: a cohort-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

The effects of oral antihyperglycaemic drugs (OADs) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the outcomes of co-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are not well studied. We examined the association of combinational OADs and the risk of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) in T2DM patients with co-existing COPD.

METHODS

A cohort-based case-control study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Among new-onset COPD-T2DM patients, 65,370 were prescribed metformin and 2nd-line OADs before the date of COPD onset. Each AECOPD case was matched to 4 randomly selected controls according to the propensity score estimated by the patient's baseline characteristics. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between AECOPD risk and OAD use.

RESULTS

Among COPD-T2DM patients, 3355 AECOPD cases and 13,420 matched controls were selected. Of the patients treated with a double combination of oral OADs (n = 12,916), those treated with sulfonylurea (SU) and thiazolidinediones (TZD) had a lower AECOPD risk than the patients who received metformin (MET) and SU, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-0.94, P = 0.02). Of the patients with a triple combination of oral OADs (n = 3859), we found that those treated with MET, SU and TZD had a lower risk of AECOPD (adjusted OR 0.81 (0.68-0.96, P = 0.01) than a combination of MET, SU and α-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) regardless of the level of COPD complexity.

CONCLUSION

Combination therapies with TZD were associated with a reduced risk of AECOPD in advanced T2DM patients with co-existing COPD.

Initiating Low-Value Inhaled Corticosteroids in an Inception Cohort with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale: Decreasing medication overuse represents an opportunity to avoid harm and costs in the era of value-based purchasing. Studies of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) overuse in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have examined prevalent use. Understanding initiation of low-value ICS among complex patients with COPD may help shape deadoption efforts.Objectives: Examine ICS initiation among a cohort with low exacerbation risk COPD and test for associations with markers of patient and health system complexity.Methods: Between 2012 and 2016, we identified veterans with COPD from 21 centers. Our primary outcome was first prescription of ICS. We used the care assessment needs (CAN) score to assess patient-level complexity as the primary exposure. We used a time-to-event model with time-varying exposures over 1-year follow-up. We tested for effect modification using selected measures of health system complexity.Results: We identified 8,497 patients with COPD without an indication for ICS and did not have baseline use (inception cohort). Follow-up time was four quarters. Patient complexity by a continuous CAN score was associated with new dispensing of ICS (hazard ratio = 1.17 per 10-unit change; 95% confidence interval = 1.13-1.21). This association demonstrated a dose-response when examining quartiles of CAN score. Markers of health system complexity did not modify the association between patient complexity and first use of low-value ICS.Conclusions: Patient complexity may represent a symptom burden that clinicians are attempting to mitigate by initiating ICS. Lack of effect modification by health system complexity may reflect the paucity of structural support and low prioritization for COPD care.

Association between Asthma and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Mechanisms and Impact on Asthma Control-A Literature Review

The study aimed to analyze the scientific production on the association between asthma and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults, the mechanisms that explain this association, and its impact on asthma control. A literature review of scientific articles indexed in the MEDLINE/PUBMED, BVS, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was carried out, considering publications from January 2009 to December 2019, using the following descriptors: "asthma", "type 2 diabetes", "adult," and "association". Of 962 articles found, 18 were included because they met the eligibility criteria. It is suggested that the association between asthma and T2DM is caused by low-grade systemic inflammation (7 articles) or the use of corticosteroids (7 articles). It is noticed that there is a limited scientific production regarding the consequences of this association for the control of asthma (5 articles). It is concluded that asthma and T2DM are two common chronic conditions of increasing prevalence and that often coexist in the same patient. It is suggested that this coexistence worsens asthma control. Therefore, the study may support public policies and clinical health practices that value the approach of comorbidities associated with asthma such as T2DM, in order to minimize additional health risks and reduce the quality of life.

Adrenal function in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is not known to directly affect the adrenal gland, but commonly used CF therapies do impact the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. By binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, medications such as inhaled and oral corticosteroids can enhance the systemic effects of cortisol and result in iatrogenic Cushing syndrome. Prolonged use suppresses the body's ability to make cortisol, resulting in iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency upon medication discontinuation. Chronic use of inhaled and oral corticosteroids can negatively affect bone health, growth, and glucose metabolism. This chapter provides practical guidelines regarding the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency. As the guidelines are mainly derived from the asthma literature, this chapter also highlights the need for studies to evaluate the impact of CF therapies on adrenal function and other CF-endocrinopathies.

Inhaled Corticosteroids in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Benefits and Risks

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), when used in combination with long-acting bronchodilators, reduce the risk of exacerbations and improve health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared with bronchodilator or ICS therapy alone. Potential side effects of ICSs include adverse effects on glycemic control, bone density, cataract formation, skin changes, oral candidiasis, and pulmonary infections. Pneumonia is observed at increased rates in COPD patients, in particular those with greater airflow limitation, low body mass index, advanced age, and male gender, and ICSs may increase this risk. Risk assessment is essential in selecting appropriate patients for ICS-containing therapy.

Use of inhaled corticosteroids and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AIM

To determine the risk of type 2 diabetes onset associated with accumulated inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) dose during the previous year in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a nationwide observational cohort study based on data from patients with COPD between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2017 extracted from Danish health databases. Patients were followed for 7 years, until death or a type 2 diabetes event. A propensity-matched Cox model and an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model (stratified on body mass index [BMI]) were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for new-onset type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

A total of 50 148 patients with COPD were included, 3566 (7.1%) of whom had a type 2 diabetes event. During the previous year before study entry, 35 368 patients (70.5%) used ICS. The propensity-matched Cox model (N = 33 466) showed an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, which progressed with increasing accumulated ICS dose (low-ICS: HR 1.076, confidence interval [CI] 1.075-1.077, P < .0001; medium-ICS: HR 1.106, CI 1.105-1.108, P < .0001; high-ICS: HR 1.150, CI 1.148-1.151, P < .0001), compared with no ICS use. Results were confirmed in the adjusted Cox analysis on the entire study population, but only for patients with BMI <30 kg/m² .

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with COPD, ICS use was associated with a moderate dose-dependent increase in the occurrence of type 2 diabetes.

Assessment of Glycemic Control in Veterans With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the use of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy affects glycemic control in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown mixed evidence on the association between ICS use and worsening glycemic control in patients with preexisting diabetes.

METHODS

Data were recorded from electronic medical records of veteran patients aged 18 to 80 with COPD and T2DM on at least 2 oral antiglycemic medications from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2017, at the Veterans Affairs (VA) North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS). The primary outcome was the rate of A1c progression >10% at 12 months and 5 years.

RESULTS

This study included 127 (64 in the ICS group and 63 in the non-ICS group) patients; baseline characteristics between groups were similar with the exception of age and tobacco use. No statistically significant difference was found between groups with regard to the primary outcome. More patients in the non-ICS group had antiglycemic medications initiated at 12 months (P = .009) and 5 years (P = .003) compared to the ICS group.

CONCLUSION

Inhaled corticosteroids did not negatively impact glycemic control among veterans with comorbid COPD and T2DM.

Dexamethasone in the era of COVID-19: friend or foe? An essay on the effects of dexamethasone and the potential risks of its inadvertent use in patients with diabetes

BACKGROUND

The disclosure in the media of a benefit with the use of dexamethasone in patients with COVID-19 infection sets precedents for self-medication and inappropriate use of corticosteroids.

METHODS

This is a critical interpretive synthesis of the data available in the literature on the effects of the use of corticosteroids and the impact that their indiscriminate use may have on patients with diabetes. Reviews and observational and experimental studies published until June 18, 2020 were selected.

RESULTS

Corticosteroids are substances derived from cholesterol metabolism that interfere with multiple aspects of glucose homeostasis. Interactions between corticoid receptors and target genes seem to be among the mechanisms responsible for the critical functions of glucocorticoids for survival and anti-inflammatory effects observed with these medications. Corticosteroids increase hepatic gluconeogenesis, reduce peripheral use of glucose and increase insulin levels. Previous studies have shown that glucocorticoids have a pro-adipogenic function, increasing deposition of abdominal fat, and lead to glucose intolerance and hypertriglyceridemia. In addition, these drugs play a role in controlling liver metabolism and can lead to the development of hepatic steatosis. Glucocorticoids reduce the recruitment of osteoblasts and increase the number of osteoclasts, which results in increased bone resorption and greater bone fragility. Moreover, these medications cause water and sodium retention and increase the response to circulating vasoconstrictors, which results in increased blood pressure levels. Chronic or high-dose use of corticosteroids can, by itself, lead to the onset of diabetes. For those who were already diagnosed with diabetes, studies show that chronic use of corticosteroids leads to a 94% higher risk of hospitalization due to diabetes complications. In addition to the direct effects on glycemic control, the effects on arterial pressure control, lipids and bone metabolism also have a potential for severe consequences in patients with diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Fear and uncertainty toward a potentially serious infection may lead people to self-medication and the inappropriate and abusive use of corticosteroids. More than ever, it is necessary for health professionals to be alert and able to predict damages related to the use of these drugs, which is the first step to minimize the potential damages to come.

The Association of COPD Exacerbations with New Onset Type 2 Diabetes among Medicare Patients

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent in the elderly population and typically reduces overall quality of life. Exacerbations of COPD are commonly treated with corticosteroids, a class of drug known to cause insulin resistance. The objective of this study was to assess the rate of exacerbations requiring emergency room visits, hospitalizations or any medical encounter (a combination of emergency room and hospitalizations) between COPD patients who did and did not develop type 2 diabetes. Research Design and Methods: A case-control study of COPD patients from the 2011-2012 Medicare 5% sample Limited Data Set (LDS) was conducted. Beneficiaries with at least 1 year of continuous enrollment and evidence of > 2 COPD-related claims (>1 primary diagnosis) were included in the study. Cases were defined as a beneficiary with a new claim for type 2 diabetes, whereas controls lacked evidence of type 2 diabetes (beneficiaries with evidence of non-incident type 2 diabetes were excluded). Results: Of 27 456 COPD beneficiaries, 1274 developed incident type 2 diabetes (4.6%). After matching, 2536 beneficiaries were assigned as cases (n = 1268) and controls (n = 1268). Cases in the emergency room (1.97 claims per person) (p = <0.001) and hospitalizations (2.02 claims per person) (p = <0.001) had a higher rate of exacerbations. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that patients that were hospitalized and visited the emergency room for COPD exacerbations had a greater likelihood of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may be associated with exposure to corticosteroids as a result of the treatment for exacerbations. Future work should investigate the risk for type 2 diabetes in COPD patients treated with corticosteroids.

First maintenance therapy for COPD in the UK between 2009 and 2012: a retrospective database analysis

Clinical guidelines recommend long-acting bronchodilators as first maintenance therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) reserved for patients with more severe disease and exacerbations. The aim of this analysis was to examine real-life prescribing of first maintenance therapy for COPD in the UK. Data were extracted from the UK Optimum Patient Care Research Database for patients with a first prescription for COPD maintenance therapy between 2009 and 2012 and a diagnosis of COPD at or before the date of the first prescription for COPD maintenance therapy. Routine clinical data including demographics, disease history and symptoms, comorbidities, therapy, hospitalisation rate and exacerbation rate were collected and used to characterise patients stratified by disease severity and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) group (A–D). The analysis population included 2,217 individuals (55.4% male, 45.2% smokers). Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) as monotherapy were prescribed as first maintenance therapy for 40.2% of patients. ICS were prescribed as ICS/long-acting beta-agonists combination for 29.1% of patients or as monotherapy for 15.5%. ICS (alone or in combination) were prescribed to >40% of patients in each GOLD group. ICS-containing regimens were prescribed to patients with a history of pneumonia and comorbid conditions for whom the risks of ICS therapy may outweigh the benefits. The clinical reality of prescribing indicates that ICS are often prescribed outside current guideline recommendations for many patients newly diagnosed with COPD in the UK. Encouragingly, LAMAs are increasingly being prescribed as first maintenance therapy for these patients.

Metabolic Effects Associated with ICS in Patients with COPD and Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes: A Historical Matched Cohort Study

Background

Management guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recommend that inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are prescribed to patients with the most severe symptoms. However, these guidelines have not been widely implemented by physicians, leading to widespread use of ICS in patients with mild-to-moderate COPD. Of particular concern is the potential risk of worsening diabetic control associated with ICS use.

Here we investigate whether ICS therapy in patients with COPD and comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a negative impact on diabetic control, and whether these negative effects are dose-dependent.

Methods and Findings

This was a historical matched cohort study utilising primary care medical record data from two large UK databases. We selected patients aged ≥40 years with COPD and T2DM, prescribed ICS (n = 1360) or non-ICS therapy (n = 2642) between 2008 and 2012. The primary endpoint was change in HbA_1c between the baseline and outcome periods. After 1:1 matching, each cohort consisted of 682 patients. Over the 12–18-month outcome period, patients prescribed ICS had significantly greater increases in HbA_1c values compared with those prescribed non-ICS therapies; adjusted difference 0.16% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05–0.27%) in all COPD patients, and 0.25% (95% CI: 0.10–0.40%) in mild-to-moderate COPD patients. Patients in the ICS cohort also had significantly more diabetes-related general practice visits per year and received more frequent glucose strip prescriptions, compared with those prescribed non-ICS therapies. Patients prescribed higher cumulative doses of ICS (>250 mg) had greater odds of increased HbA_1c and/or receiving additional antidiabetic medication, and increased odds of being above the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) target for HbA_1c levels, compared with those prescribed lower cumulative doses (≤125 mg).

Conclusion

For patients with COPD and comorbid T2DM, ICS therapy may have a negative impact on diabetes control. Patients prescribed higher cumulative doses of ICS may be at greater risk of diabetes progression.

Trial Registration

ENCePP ENCEPP/SDPP/6804

Inhaled Corticosteroids Use Is Not Associated With an Increased Risk of Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Two Nested Case-Control Studies

There have been concerns that systemic corticosteroid use is associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and diabetes mellitus. However, the relationship between inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and the risk of PIH has not been fully examined, and there was no study investigating the association between ICS use and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aims of the study are to determine whether the use of ICSs during pregnancy increases the risk of PIH and GDM in women.We conducted 2 nested case-control studies utilizing the nationwide insurance claims database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (Seoul, Republic of Korea), in which 1,306,281 pregnant women who delivered between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011 were included. Among them, PIH cases and GDM cases were identified and matched controls were included. Conditional logistic regression analyses adjusted by other concomitant drugs use during and before pregnancy and confounding covariates including comorbidities were performed.Total 43,908 PIH cases and 219,534 controls, and 34,190 GDM cases and 170,934 control subjects were identified. When other concomitant drugs use during pregnancy was adjusted, ICS use was associated with an increased rate of PIH (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.05-1.87]). ICS medication possession ratios and cumulative doses were associated with an increased risk of PIH. However, the statistical significance was not found in other models. In both unadjusted and adjusted multivariable models, ICSs use was not associated with increase in the risk of GDM.ICSs use is not associated with an increased risk of PIH and GDM.

Erratum to: Safety Considerations of Inhaled Corticosteroids in the Elderly

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are widely used in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. However, high-dose regimens and long-term use of ICSs have the potential to cause a variety of local and systemic side effects such as candidiasis, cataracts, glaucoma, and osteoporosis. The use of ICSs can also be associated with the risk of bone fractures, diabetes mellitus and pneumonia. These ICS-related side effects are of particular importance in elderly patients due to the presence of comorbidities and age-related behavioral, cognitive, and psychological problems, which can all interact with inhaled treatment. We reviewed the available literature on the clinically relevant side effects of ICSs in the elderly to provide practical measures to properly monitor and manage the risk of ICSs in the geriatric population. Inspection of the mouth, monitoring of ocular pressure, and use of bone-protective drugs may be necessary in patients on prolonged ICS therapy. Above all, the use of the lowest possible ICS dose and a careful re-assessment of the inhalation procedure should be recommended. Taken together, these observations suggest that physicians should use ICSs appropriately for those patients in whom the benefit will outweigh the risk, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with previous frequent exacerbations. Given the paucity of information on the topic and the need to extrapolate the results from studies with broader age ranges, we strongly encourage the design of specifically tailored clinical studies in the elderly.

Metformin in severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial

Background

Severe exacerbations of COPD are commonly associated with hyperglycaemia, which predicts adverse outcomes. Metformin is a well-established anti-hyperglycaemic agent in diabetes mellitus, possibly augmented with anti-inflammatory effects, but its effects in COPD are unknown. We investigated accelerated metformin therapy in severe COPD exacerbations, primarily to confirm or refute an anti-hyperglycaemic effect, and secondarily to explore its effects on inflammation and clinical outcome.

Methods

This was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial testing accelerated metformin therapy in non-diabetic patients, aged ≥35 years, hospitalised for COPD exacerbations. Participants were assigned in a 2:1 ratio to 1 month of metformin therapy, escalated rapidly to 2 g/day, or matched placebo. The primary end point was mean in-hospital blood glucose concentration. Secondary end points included the concentrations of fructosamine and C reactive protein (CRP), and scores on the COPD Assessment Test and Exacerbations of Chronic Pulmonary Disease Tool.

Results

52 participants (mean (±SD) age 67±9 years) were randomised (34 to metformin, 18 to placebo). All were included in the primary end point analysis. The mean blood glucose concentrations in the metformin and placebo groups were 7.1±0.9 and 8.0±3.3 mmol/L, respectively (difference −0.9 mmol/L, 95% CI −2.1 to +0.3; p=0.273). No significant between-group differences were observed on any of the secondary end points. Adverse reactions, particularly gastrointestinal effects, were more common in metformin-treated participants.

Conclusion

Metformin did not ameliorate elevations in blood glucose concentration among non-diabetic patients admitted to hospital for COPD exacerbations, and had no detectable effect on CRP or clinical outcomes.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN66148745 and NCT01247870.

[The place of inhaled corticosteroids in COPD]

INTRODUCTION

Clinical trials have provided some evidence of a favorable effect of inhaled corticosteroids on the frequency of exacerbations and on the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In contrast, ICS have little or no impact on lung function decline and on mortality.

STATE OF THE ART

Inhaled corticosteroids are recommended only in a minority of COPD patients, those with severe disease and repeated exacerbations and probably those with the COPD and asthma overlap syndrome. However, surveys indicate that these drugs are inappropriately prescribed in a large population of patients with COPD. Overtreatment with inhaled corticosteroids exposes these patients to an increased risk of potentially severe side-effects such as pneumonia, osteoporosis, and oropharyngeal candidiasis. Moreover, it represents a major waste of health-care spending.

CONCLUSION

Primary care physicians as well as pulmonologists should be better aware of the benefits as well as the side-effects and costs of inhaled corticosteroids.

Multimorbidity and COPD Medication Receipt Among Medicaid Beneficiaries With Newly Diagnosed COPD

BACKGROUND

Multimorbidity is highly prevalent among patients with COPD. The association between multimorbidity and COPD medication management is not well researched. The aim of this study was to examine the association between multimorbidity and COPD medication receipt among Medicaid beneficiaries with newly diagnosed COPD.

METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal dynamic cohort design was used, and data were extracted from Medicaid Analytic eXtract files from 2005 to 2008. Medicaid beneficiaries with newly diagnosed COPD (N = 19,060) were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification, for COPD. This code (for commonly co-occurring conditions with COPD) was used to create a multimorbidity variable. These conditions included anxiety, arthritis, bipolar disorder, cardiovascular diseases, depression, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia osteoporosis, and schizophrenia. Medicaid beneficiaries with newly diagnosed COPD were categorized as: (1) physical multimorbidity only, (2) psychiatric multimorbidity only, (3) both physical and psychiatric multimorbidity, and (4) no multimorbidity. Receipt of COPD medications (short- or long-acting bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids) was identified using National Drug Codes. Bivariate relationships between multimorbidity and COPD medication receipt were tested using the chi-square test of independence. The associations between multimorbidity and COPD medication receipt were analyzed with logistic and multinomial logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among Medicaid beneficiaries with newly diagnosed COPD, 81.9% had at least one co-occurring chronic condition. After controlling for subject characteristics, adults with multimorbidity were less likely to receive COPD medications compared with those without any inflammation-related multimorbidity. For example, those with physical multimorbidity were less likely to receive short-acting bronchodilators (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.76, 95% CI 0.69-0.83), long-acting bronchodilators (adjusted OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76-0.92), and inhaled corticosteroids (adjusted OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.82) compared with those with no inflammation-related multimorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of multimorbidity is very high among Medicaid beneficiaries with newly diagnosed COPD. Our findings indicate poor COPD medication management among those with multimorbidity.

Safety considerations of inhaled corticosteroids in the elderly

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are widely used in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. However, high-dose regimens and long-term use of ICSs have the potential to cause a variety of local and systemic side effects such as candidiasis, cataracts, glaucoma, and osteoporosis. The use of ICSs can also be associated with the risk of bone fractures, diabetes mellitus and pneumonia. These ICS-related side effects are of particular importance in elderly patients due to the presence of comorbidities and age-related behavioral, cognitive, and psychological problems, which can all interact with inhaled treatment. We reviewed the available literature on the clinically relevant side effects of ICSs in the elderly to provide practical measures to properly monitor and manage the risk of ICSs in the geriatric population. Inspection of the mouth, monitoring of ocular pressure, and use of bone-protective drugs may be necessary in patients on prolonged ICS therapy. Above all, the use of the lowest possible ICS dose and a careful re-assessment of the inhalation procedure should be recommended. Taken together, these observations suggest that physicians should use ICSs appropriately for those patients in whom the benefit will outweigh the risk, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with previous frequent exacerbations. Given the paucity of information on the topic and the need to extrapolate the results from studies with broader age ranges, we strongly encourage the design of specifically tailored clinical studies in the elderly.

Inhaled corticosteroids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a pro-con perspective

Current guidelines limit regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to a specific subgroup of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in whom the forced expiratory volume in 1 s is <60% of predicted and who have frequent exacerbations. In these patients, there is evidence that ICS reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve lung function and quality of life. However, a review of the literature suggests that the evidence available may be interpreted to favour or contradict these observations. It becomes apparent that COPD is a heterogeneous condition. Clinicians therefore need to be aware of the heterogeneity as well as having an understanding of how ICS may be used in the context of the specific subgroups of patients with COPD. This review argues for and against the use of ICS in COPD by providing an in-depth analysis of the currently available evidence.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of the literature

The objective of this systematic review was to discuss our current understanding of the complex relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We performed a systematic search of the literature related to both COPD and diabetes using PubMed. Relevant data connecting both diseases were compiled and discussed. Recent evidence suggests that diabetes can worsen the progression and prognosis of COPD; this may result from the direct effects of hyperglycemia on lung physiology, inflammation or susceptibility to bacterial infection. Conversely, it has also been suggested that COPD increases the risk of developing T2DM as a consequence of inflammatory processes and/or therapeutic side effects related to the use of high-dose corticosteroids. In conclusion, although there is evidence to support a connection between COPD and diabetes, additional research is needed to better understand these relationships and their possible implications.

Safety of inhaled corticosteroids for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

The frequent use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), especially at higher doses, has been accompanied by concern about both systemic and local side effects. Patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more at risk from side effects, likely because of the use of higher doses of ICS in COPD to overcome corticosteroid unresponsiveness.

AREAS COVERED

There is considerable concern about increased incidence of pneumonia, osteoporosis and hyperglycemia in diabetic patients and cataracts. The local side effects of ICSs, such as hoarseness and pharyngeal discomfort, oral and oropharyngeal candidiasis, cough during inhalation, and a sensation of thirst, are not usually serious but are of clinical importance because they may lead to patients discontinuing therapy.

EXPERT OPINION

The possibility that ICSs induce adverse side effects should not lead us to avoid their use in patients in whom clinical evidence suggests that they may be helpful. However, clinicians should balance the potential benefits of ICSs in COPD against their potential side effects and always consider using the lowest possible dose to achieve the best possible management.

Inhaled corticosteroids in COPD: the clinical evidence

In this article, we focus on the scientific evidence from randomised trials supporting treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including treatment with combinations of long-acting β-agonist (LABA) bronchodilators and ICS. Our emphasis is on the methodological strengths and limitations that guide the conclusions that may be drawn. The evidence of benefit of ICS and, therefore, of the LABA/ICS combinations in COPD is limited by major methodological problems. From the data reviewed herein, we conclude that there is no survival benefit independent of the effect of long-acting bronchodilation and no effect on FEV1 decline, and that the possible benefit on reducing severe exacerbations is unclear. Our interpretation of the data is that there are substantial adverse effects from the use of ICS in patients with COPD, most notably severe pneumonia resulting in excess deaths. Currently, the most reliable predictor of response to ICS in COPD is the presence of eosinophilic inflammation in the sputum. There is an urgent need for better markers of benefit and risk that can be tested in randomised trials for use in routine specialist practice. Given the overall safety and effectiveness of long-acting bronchodilators in subjects without an asthma component to their COPD, we believe use of such agents without an associated ICS should be favoured.

Diabetes mellitus among outpatients with COPD attending a university hospital

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a common comorbidity of COPD, but there are still many doubts about the relation among diabetes and COPD. We retrospectively collected data from patients afferent to our Respiratory Diseases outpatient clinic at the Tor Vergata University Hospital between 2010 and 2012. The study population was analyzed by clusters of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, lung function, concomitant pharmacologic therapies and comorbidities. The values of the association between variables were expressed as odds ratio. Data were adjusted for gender, age and possible confounding variables by Mantel-Haenszel method. We identified 493 patients with COPD. Ninety-two (18.7 %) patients were affected by type 2 diabetes mellitus, with no significant gender differences. The prevalence distribution was similar among the different age clusters, but the association was stronger in patients younger than 65 years. The association was present only in obese subjects in whom it was significant only in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD, but not mild COPD. The presence of cardiovascular diseases was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus in patients with COPD. There was a slight association of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use with the presence of diabetes mellitus in COPD, but the combination of an ICS with a β2-agonist apparently reduced this association. The association with type 2 diabetes mellitus was greater in patients with COPD respect to general population, and correlated with the increase in BMI and the presence of other comorbidities, suggesting that both diseases may be targets of systemic inflammation.

Defining COPD-Related Comorbidities, 2004-2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease of aging in combination with genetic, environmental, and behavioral risk factors. Aging and many of these risk factors are shared with other diseases, and, as a result, it is not surprising that patients with COPD often have coexistent diseases. This review of COPD comorbidities uses a framework in which coexistent diseases are considered important comorbidities if they are more frequent, have more severe consequences, influence the progression and outcomes of COPD, or are clustered together into proposed phenotypes, supplemented by a framework in which certain comorbidities are expected to share specific pathogenic mechanisms. This review explores classic COPD comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, cachexia and sleep apnea, but also looks at more recently described comorbidities, such as gastroesophageal reflux, osteoporosis and depression/anxiety.

Effect of inhaled corticosteroids on glycemic status

Although the dysglycemic effects of systemic glucocorticoid therapy are well known, the effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on carbohydrate metabolism is still a subject of debate. The systemic bioavailability of ICS is claimed to be minimal and the side effects negligible. However, some large retrospective cohort studies showed a definite association between ICS use and incident diabetes or worsening glycemic control in pre-existing diabetes. There are no professional-body recommended guidelines on the diagnosis and management of steroid-induced diabetes for the general population. This review aims to evaluate the systemic dysglycemic effect of ICS treatment and to propose a management algorithm.

Comorbid diabetes and COPD: impact of corticosteroid use on diabetes complications

OBJECTIVE

To identify if there is a dose-dependent risk of diabetes complications in patients treated with corticosteroids who have both diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective study of administrative claims data from the Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs, from 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2008, of diabetes patients newly initiated on metformin or sulfonylurea. COPD was identified by dispensings of tiotropium or ipratropium in the 6 months preceding study entry. Total corticosteroid use (inhaled and systemic) in the 12 months after study entry was determined. The outcome was time to hospitalization for a diabetes-related complication. Competing risks and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted with adjustment for a number of covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 18,226 subjects with diabetes were identified, of which 5.9% had COPD. Of those with COPD, 67.2% were dispensed corticosteroids in the 12 months from study entry. Stratification by dose of corticosteroids demonstrated a 94% increased likelihood of hospitalization for a diabetes complication for those who received a total defined daily dose (DDD) of corticosteroids≥0.83/day (subhazard ratio 1.94 [95% CI 1.14-3.28], P=0.014), by comparison with those who did not receive a corticosteroid. Lower doses of corticosteroid (<0.83 DDD/day) were not associated with an increased risk of diabetes-related hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with diabetes and COPD, an increased risk of diabetes-related hospitalizations was only evident with use of high doses of corticosteroids. This highlights the need for constant revision of corticosteroid dose in those with diabetes and COPD, to ensure that the minimally effective dose is used, together with review of appropriate response to therapy.

Tiotropium for adults with inadequately controlled persistent asthma

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature evaluating the efficacy and steroid-sparing effect of tiotropium for inadequately controlled persistent asthma in adults.

DATA SOURCES

Information was obtained through a search of MEDLINE/PubMed (1966-October 2012), using the terms asthma and tiotropium. A further review of reference citations was performed to identify other relevant articles.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

English-language case reports and clinical trials were reviewed. Publications evaluating the efficacy and steroid-sparing effect of tiotropium in adults with inadequately controlled persistent asthma were included in the review. One case report and 5 clinical trials met our criteria.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The ultimate goal for asthma management is to maintain disease control by preventing acute exacerbations while avoiding adverse medication effects. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are part of all preferred maintenance regimens for persistent asthma. Unfortunately, persistent asthma remains inadequately controlled in some patients and concerns about serious adverse effects with long-term high-dose ICS treatment exist. Interest in the use of tiotropium to control asthma symptoms and reduce steroid requirements in inadequately controlled persistent asthma is emerging. Results of several trials indicate that tiotropium improves pulmonary function markers and reduces corticosteroid requirements. Moreover, the largest and longest published trial not only showed improvements in pulmonary function tests but also a reduction in corticosteroid use and an increase in the time to first exacerbation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although tiotropium use in treatment of persistent asthma appears to be promising, more robust clinical trials are needed to assess whether improved pulmonary function tests as well as a decrease in asthma exacerbations and corticosteroid requirements translate into improvements in quality of life. Additionally, the optimal patient population, long-term efficacy, and safety of tiotropium when delivered by various methods need to be determined before it can be recommended over current alternative asthma therapies.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and glucose metabolism: a bitter sweet symphony

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus are common and underdiagnosed medical conditions. It was predicted that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2020. The healthcare burden of this disease is even greater if we consider the significant impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be considered as a novel risk factor for new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus via multiple pathophysiological alterations such as: inflammation and oxidative stress, insulin resistance, weight gain and alterations in metabolism of adipokines. On the other hand, diabetes may act as an independent factor, negatively affecting pulmonary structure and function. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary infections, disease exacerbations and worsened COPD outcomes. On the top of that, coexistent OSA may increase the risk for type 2 DM in some individuals. The current scientific data necessitate a greater outlook on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be viewed as a risk factor for the new onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conversely, both types of diabetes mellitus should be viewed as strong contributing factors for the development of obstructive lung disease. Such approach can potentially improve the outcomes and medical control for both conditions, and, thus, decrease the healthcare burden of these major medical problems.

Risk of new onset diabetes mellitus in patients with asthma or COPD taking inhaled corticosteroids

BACKGROUND

A recent case-controlled study reported an increased risk of diabetes mellitus in patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids for asthma or COPD, versus age-matched controls.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate whether there was an increased risk of new onset diabetes mellitus or hyperglycaemia among patients with asthma or COPD treated with inhaled corticosteroids.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis evaluated all double-blind, placebo-controlled, trials in patients ≥4 years of age involving budesonide or budesonide/formoterol in asthma (26 trials; budesonide: n = 9067; placebo: n = 5926), and in COPD (8 trials; budesonide: n = 4616; non-ICS: n = 3643). A secondary dataset evaluated all double-blind, controlled trials in asthma involving the use of inhaled corticosteroids (60 trials; budesonide: n = 33,496; fluticasone: n = 2773).

RESULTS

In the primary asthma dataset, the occurrence of diabetes mellitus/hyperglycaemia adverse events (AEs) was 0.13% for budesonide and 0.13% for placebo (HR 0.98 [95% CI: 0.38-2.50], p = 0.96) and serious adverse events (SAEs) was 0% for budesonide and 0.05% for placebo. In the secondary dataset, the occurrence of diabetes/hyperglycaemia as AE and SAE was 0.19% and 0.03%, respectively. In the COPD dataset, the occurrence of diabetes mellitus/hyperglycaemia AEs was 1.3% for budesonide and 1.2% for non-ICS (HR 0.99 [95% CI: 0.67-1.46], p = 0.96) and SAEs was 0.1% for budesonide and 0.03% for non-ICS.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in patients with asthma or COPD was not associated with increased risk of new onset diabetes mellitus or hyperglycaemia.

Adherence to long-acting inhaled therapies among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

BACKGROUND

Long-acting inhaled medications are an important component of the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet few studies have examined the determinants of medication adherence among this patient population.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify factors associated with adherence to long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) among patients with COPD.

METHODS

We performed secondary analysis of baseline data collected in a randomized trial of 376 Veterans with spirometrically confirmed COPD. We used electronic pharmacy records to assess adherence, defined as a medication possession ratio of ≥0.80. We investigated the following exposures: patient characteristics, disease severity, medication regimen complexity, health behaviors, confidence in self-management, and perceptions of provider skill. We performed multivariable logistic regression, clustered by provider, to estimate associations.

RESULTS

Of the 167 patients prescribed LABA, 54% (n = 90) were adherent to therapy while only 40% (n = 74) of 184 the patients prescribed ICS were adherent. Higher adherence to LABA and ICS was associated with patient perception of their provider as being an "expert" in diagnosing and managing lung disease [For LABA: OR = 21.70 (95% CI 6.79, 69.37); For ICS OR = 7.93 (95% CI 1.71, 36.67)]. Factors associated with adherence to LABA, but not ICS, included: age, education, race, COPD severity, smoking status, and confidence in self-management.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to long-acting inhaled medications among patients with COPD is poor, and determinants of adherence likely differ by medication class. Patient perception of clinician expertise in lung disease was the factor most highly associated with adherence to long-acting therapies.

Obesity and COPD: associated symptoms, health-related quality of life, and medication use

BACKGROUND

There is little data about the combined effects of COPD and obesity. We compared dyspnea, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), exacerbations, and inhaled medication use among patients who are overweight and obese to those of normal weight with COPD.

METHODS

We performed secondary data analysis on 364 Veterans with COPD. We categorized subjects by body mass index (BMI). We assessed dyspnea using the Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale and HRQoL using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire. We identified treatment for an exacerbation and inhaled medication use in the past year. We used multiple logistic and linear regression models as appropriate, with adjustment for age, COPD severity, smoking status, and co-morbidities.

RESULTS

The majority of our population was male (n = 355, 98%) and either overweight (n = 115, 32%) or obese (n = 138, 38%). Obese and overweight subjects had better lung function (obese: mean FEV(1) 55.4% ±19.9% predicted, overweight: mean FEV(1) 50.0% ±20.4% predicted) than normal weight subjects (mean FEV(1) 44.2% ±19.4% predicted), yet obese subjects reported increased dyspnea [adjusted OR of MRC score ≥2 = 4.91 (95% CI 1.80, 13.39], poorer HRQoL, and were prescribed more inhaled medications than normal weight subjects. There was no difference in any outcome between overweight and normal weight patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite having less severe lung disease, obese patients reported increased dyspnea and poorer HRQoL than normal weight patients. The greater number of inhaled medications prescribed for obese patients may represent overuse. Obese patients with COPD likely need alternative strategies for symptom control in addition to those currently recommended.

Inhaled corticosteroids and the risks of diabetes onset and progression

BACKGROUND

Systemic corticosteroids are known to increase diabetes risk, but the effects of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids are unknown. We assessed whether the use and dose of inhaled corticosteroids increase the risk of diabetes onset and progression.

METHODS

We formed a new-user cohort of patients treated for respiratory disease during 1990-2005, identified using the Quebec health insurance databases and followed through 2007 or until diabetes onset. The subcohort treated with oral hypoglycemics was followed until diabetes progression. A nested case-control analysis was used to estimate the rate ratios of diabetes onset and progression associated with current inhaled corticosteroid use, adjusted for age, sex, respiratory disease severity, and co-morbidity.

RESULTS

The cohort included 388,584 patients, of whom 30,167 had diabetes onset during 5.5 years of follow-up (incidence rate 14.2/1000/year), and 2099 subsequently progressed from oral hypoglycemic treatment to insulin (incidence rate 19.8/1000/year). Current use of inhaled corticosteroids was associated with a 34% increase in the rate of diabetes (rate ratio [RR] 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-1.39) and in the rate of diabetes progression (RR 1.34; 95% CI, 1.17-1.53). The risk increases were greatest with the highest inhaled corticosteroid doses, equivalent to fluticasone 1000 μg per day or more (RR 1.64; 95% CI, 1.52-1.76 and RR 1.54; 95% CI, 1.18-2.02; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with respiratory disease, inhaled corticosteroid use is associated with modest increases in the risks of diabetes onset and diabetes progression. The risks are more pronounced at the higher doses currently prescribed in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Effects of inhaled corticosteroids in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been described as a heterogeneous multifactorial disorder associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the peripheral airways and with variable morphologic, physiologic and clinical phenotypes. This notion of the disease is actually poorly supported by data, and there are substantial discrepancies and a weak correlation between inflammation, structural damage, functional impairment and degree of clinical symptoms. This problem is compounded by a poor understanding of the complexity and intricacies on the inflammatory pathways in COPD. Despite the evidence for efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on selected clinical endpoints in COPD, we cannot assume that anti-inflammatory treatment with ICS alone or in combination with long-acting bronchodilators will necessarily improve the underlying inflammatory processes and patient relevant outcomes in COPD. Given the widespread use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) alone or in combination for the treatment of COPD across all severities, it is important to weigh their clinically proven benefits and shortcomings cautiously and critically. Reviewed is the current evidence-based role of ICS on inflammatory markers and patient relevant outcomes in COPD.

Inhaled corticosteroids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by chronic airflow obstruction and a progressive lung function decline. Although widely used, the efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in the treatment of COPD remains a matter of debate.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

This article reviews the evidence about the effects of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of COPD.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

Short-term treatment with ICS improves lung function and quality of life; in addition, several studies with longer follow-up have shown less decline over time in quality of life, and fewer exacerbations. By contrast, long-term studies have been unable to show substantial improvement in the decline of lung function in COPD. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the use of ICS did not influence the natural course of COPD. However, this conclusion has been challenged by two subsequent studies, TORCH and GLUCOLD, which both showed a reduction in lung-function decline over time with the use of ICS. These two studies indicate that ICS might indeed influence the natural course of the disease, at least in a subgroup of COPD patients.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Further studies are needed to identify which individuals have a favorable short- and long-term response to ICS treatment.

Interferon-inducible factor 16 is a novel modulator of glucocorticoid action

Previously, we used cDNA expression profiling to identify genes associated with glucocorticoid (Gc) sensitivity. We now identify which of these directly influence Gc action. Interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16), bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPRII), and regulator of G-protein signaling 14 (RGS14) increased Gc transactivation, whereas sialyltransferase 4B (SIAT4B) had a negative effect. Amyloid β (A4) precursor-protein binding, family B, member 1 (APBB1/Fe65) and neural cell expressed developmentally down-regulated 9 (NEDD9) were without effect. Only IFI16 potentiated Gc repression of NF-κB. In addition, IFI16 affected basal expression, and Gc induction of endogenous target genes. IFI16 did not affect glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression, ligand-dependent repression of GR expression, or the ligand-dependent induction of GR phosphorylation on Ser-211 or Ser-203. Coimmunoprecipitation revealed an interaction, suggesting that IFI16 modulation of GR function is mediated by protein crosstalk. Transfection analysis with GR mutants showed that the ligand-binding domain of GR binds IFI16 and is the target domain for IFI16 regulation. Analysis of human lung sections identified colocalization of GR and IFI16, suggesting a physiologically relevant interaction. We demonstrate that IFI16 is a novel modulator of GR function and show the importance of analyzing variation in Gc sensitivity in humans, using appropriate technology, to drive discovery.—Berry, A., Matthews, L. Jangani, M., Plumb, J., Farrow, S., Buchan, N., Wilson, P. A., Singh, D., Ray, D., W., Donn, R. P. Interferon-inducible factor 16 is a novel modulator of glucocorticoid action.

Comorbidity in the elderly with diabetes: Identification of areas of potential treatment conflicts

AIMS

To investigate the prevalence of comorbid conditions in the elderly with diabetes and the prescribing of potentially inappropriate medicines or treatment conflicts.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of diabetics aged >or=65 years, using prescription dispensing data from the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs. Comorbidities were determined using the comorbidity index Rx-Risk-V. Potentially inappropriate prescribing or treatment conflicts specific for the elderly were determined from guidelines or reference compendia, in addition to the 2003 updated Beers criteria.

RESULTS

Of 18,968 diabetics, the median number of comorbidities was 5 (IQR 3-8). Diabetes and associated cardiovascular medicines accounted for 41.9% of all medicine use. Associated cardiovascular diseases were highly prevalent comorbidities. 46% had gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, 25% depression, 20% chronic airways disease or chronic pain and 15% also had heart failure or inflammation-pain. At least 16% were dispensed a medicine associated with adverse effects in patients with diabetes and 22.7% were dispensed at least one potentially inappropriate medicine.

CONCLUSION

Significant comorbid conditions in elderly diabetic patients with potential for inappropriate prescribing or treatment conflicts include arthritis, heart failure, chronic airways diseases and diseases treatable with systemic corticosteroids. Appropriate management of comorbidity should be included in guidelines for the elderly with diabetes.