Inhaled corticosteroids in COPD and onset of type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis: matched cohort study

Exacerbation-like events in the 12 months prior to identification of chronic respiratory conditions in a primary care population

Initial chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) pharmacotherapy is based on symptom burden and exacerbation history. Inclusion of inhaled cortico-steroids (ICS) is recommended only for those with a history of exacerbations. This brief report highlights that among individuals with previously unrecognized COPD about 1 in 5 have one or more exacerbation-like events and about 1 in 10 have two or more events in the prior 12 months whether or not they self-report concomitant asthma. Closer attention to prior exacerbation-like event history might lead to more guideline concordant care. In addition, there are two other groups that have impaired but non-obstructive spirometry, some with significant respiratory symptom burden who have frequencies of exacerbation-like events similar to those meeting COPD spirometry criteria. To date we have little guidance for treatment of these individuals.

Inhaled corticosteroids and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are widely used in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, ICS are associated with an increased risk of adverse effects.We aimed to determine whether an association between a lower respiratory tract culture with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and increasing ICS dosing in patients with COPD exists.

DESIGN

An observational cohort study of outpatients with COPD in Denmark between 2010 and 2018.ICS exposure was categorised into four groups based on average daily consumption 1 year prior to inclusion: no use, low ICS dose (≤400 µg), moderate ICS dose (400-800 µg) and high ICS dose (>800 µg). Dose-response relationship was investigated by a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Of the total 22 689 patients, 459 had lower respiratory tract cultures positive for S. maltophilia. The HR of S. maltophilia increased with increasing daily ICS dose: low ICS dose HR 2.6 (95% CI 1.6 to 4.0), moderate ICS dose HR 3.0 (95% CI 1.9 to 4.6) and high ICS dose HR 5.7 (95% CI 3.8 to 8.5).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that ICS was associated with a high, dose-dependent increased hazard of S. maltophilia in outpatients with COPD. High dose users had a nearly six times increased hazard compared with non-users of ICS. When appropriate, attempts at de-escalating ICS treatment should be made.

Inhaled Corticosteroids in Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Old, Unfinished History

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of disability and death. Maintenance use of inhaled bronchodilator(s) is the cornerstone of COPD pharmacological therapy, but inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are also commonly used. This narrative paper reviews the role of ICSs as maintenance treatment in combination with bronchodilators, usually in a single inhaler, in stable COPD subjects. The guidelines strongly recommend the addition of an ICS in COPD subjects with a history of concomitant asthma or as a step-up on the top of dual bronchodilators in the presence of hospitalization for exacerbation or at least two moderate exacerbations per year plus high blood eosinophil counts (≥300/mcl). This indication would only involve some COPD subjects. In contrast, in real life, triple inhaled therapy is largely used in COPD, independently of symptoms and in the presence of exacerbations. We will discuss the results of recent randomized controlled trials that found reduced all-cause mortality with triple inhaled therapy compared with dual inhaled long-acting bronchodilator therapy. ICS use is frequently associated with common local adverse events, such as dysphonia, oral candidiasis, and increased risk of pneumonia. Other side effects, such as systemic toxicity and unfavorable changes in the lung microbiome, are suspected mainly at higher doses of ICS in elderly COPD subjects with comorbidities, even if not fully demonstrated. We conclude that, contrary to real life, the use of ICS should be carefully evaluated in stable COPD patients.

Managing Osteoporosis in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious respiratory disease with high morbidity, disability and mortality worldwide. Every year, many people die from the disease or its comorbidities. Osteoporosis is a common complication of COPD, which can lead to increased fractures in COPD patients, aggravate the disease, and then bring great pain and burden to patients. The possible factors leading to osteoporosis in COPD patients include systemic inflammation, corticosteroid use, vitamin D deficiency, physical inactivity, tobacco exposure, lower bone mineral density, hypogonadism, hypoxia, and anemia. In clinical practice, the rate of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis in patients with COPD is low. Several studies demonstrated that treating osteoporosis with bisphosphonates could improve bone density, make breathing easier, and improve the quality of life of COPD patients. However, no studies have examined the effect of anti-osteoporosis therapy on fracture prevention in COPD patients. More research is needed to clarify how to implement holistic medical interventions in COPD patients with osteoporosis. We recommend that every COPD patient be screened for osteoporosis and treated with standard medications for primary osteoporosis.

Hyperglycaemia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may coexist with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients with COPD have an increased risk of developing T2DM compared with a control but, on the other side, hyperglycaemia and DM have been associated with reduced predicted levels of lung function. The mechanistic relationships between these two diseases are complicated, multifaceted, and little understood, yet they can impact treatment strategy. The potential risks and benefits for patients with T2DM treated with pulmonary drugs and the potential pulmonary risks and benefits for patients with COPD when taking antidiabetic drugs should always be considered. The interaction between the presence and/or treatment of COPD, risk of infection, presence and/or treatment of T2DM and risk of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPDs) can be represented as a vicious circle; however, several strategies may help to break this circle. The most effective approach to simultaneously treating T2DM and COPD is to interfere with the shared inflammatory substrate, thus targeting both lung inflammation (COPD) and vascular inflammation (DM). In any case, it is always crucial to establish glycaemic management since the reduction in lung function found in people with diabetes might decrease the threshold for clinical manifestations of COPD. In this article, we examine possible connections between COPD and T2DM as well as pharmacological strategies that could focus on these connections.

Association between inhaled corticosteroid use and risk of hyperglycemia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have a higher risk of developing diabetes, and studies suggest that inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) use may be associated with a higher risk of diabetes, particularly at higher doses. This study aims to investigate the effects of ICS use on the risk of diabetes and blood glucose levels in COPD patients.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was carried out on the PubMed, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest databases using the terms "Inhaled Corticosteroids," "Diabetes," and "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" for the period between 2013 and 2023. The systematic review adhered to the PRISMA 2020 guideline. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model using the RevMan 5 software.

Results

A total of 14 studies were included in the final analysis, with 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 4 observational studies. Two observational studies investigated the relationship between ICS dose and diabetes risk. A meta-analysis of the RCTs studies showed a nonstatistically significant tendency toward increased blood glucose (odds ratio [OR] 1.07 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-1.30) after a 52-week follow-up. Whereas the observational studies showed a tendency toward an increased risk of diabetes (OR 1.40 and 95% CI 0.96-2.03). Furthermore, a subgroup meta-analysis of high-dose ICS (>900 μg/day) showed a significant increase in the risk of diabetes (OR 1.20 and 95% CI 1.09-1.32).

Conclusion

Short-term use of ICS does not have a significant effect on blood glucose. However, long-term use, especially at higher doses, can increase the risk of developing diabetes.

Oral corticosteroid use and sarcopenia-related traits in older people with chronic airway disease: a population-based study

Background

Sarcopenia is characterised by two major phenotypic components: low handgrip strength (HGS) and appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI). Oral corticosteroid (OCS) use is an important medication for acute respiratory exacerbations in patients with COPD and asthma. However, the association of OCS and sarcopenia components in older people is largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the association between OCS use and HGS or ASMI in the general population and explore interactions with chronic airway diseases.

Methods

From the population-based Rotterdam Study, 5054 participants (age 69.0±8.8 years; 56% females) were included in the cross-sectional analysis and 1324 in the longitudinal analysis. Associations between OCS and muscle strength and mass were analysed using linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, fat %, height, kidney function, smoking and comorbidities.

Results

At baseline, ever-OCS users had lower handgrip strength (β= -0.48, 95% CI -0.84- -0.12) than never-OCS users, with cumulative frequency (≥10 OCS prescriptions)-dependent effects (β= -1.25, 95% CI -2.16- -0.33). COPD ever-OCS users, but not asthma, had lower handgrip strength (β= -0.98, 95% CI -1.91- -0.06) and lower lean mass (β= -0.14, 95% CI -0.27- -0.01) than never-OCS users. After 5.6 years of follow-up in those free of sarcopenia traits at baseline, COPD ever-OCS users developed lower handgrip strength (β= -1.64, 95% CI -2.87- -0.40) with frequency (β= -3.64, 95% CI -6.57- -0.72) and duration (β= -1.51, 95% CI -2.87- -0.15) association compared to never-OCS users.

Conclusions

OCS use is associated with a decline in handgrip strength in people with COPD in a cumulative frequency and duration-dependent manner. Routine muscle examination may be necessary for patients with COPD.

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.

Effect of Stepping Up to High-Dose Inhaled Corticosteroids in Patients With Asthma: UK Database Study

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether patients with asthma benefit from stepping up to high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of stepping up to high-dose ICSs.

METHODS

A historic cohort study of patients with asthma (≥13 years old), identified from 2 large UK electronic medical record databases, was conducted. Patients who remained on medium-dose ICSs were compared with those who stepped up from medium- to high-dose ICSs, whereas patients who stepped up from low- to medium-dose ICSs were compared with those who stepped up from low- to high-dose ICSs. Time to first severe exacerbation (primary outcome) between treatment groups was compared using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, and the number of exacerbations and antibiotics courses was analyzed using negative binomial regression. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to handle confounding.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time to first exacerbation was 2.7 ± 2.7 years for those who remained on stable medium-dose ICSs and 2.0 ± 2.2 years for those who stepped up from medium- to high-dose ICSs. A similar pattern was noted for those who stepped up from low- to medium-dose ICSs (2.6 ± 2.5 years) and from low- to high-dose ICSs (2.3 ± 2.5 years). Patients who stepped up from medium- to high-dose ICSs (n = 6879) had a higher risk of exacerbations during follow-up compared with those who remained on medium-dose ICSs (n = 51,737; hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.12-1.22). This was similar in patients stepping up from low- to high-dose (n = 3232) compared with low- to medium-dose (n = 12,659) ICSs (hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04-1.17). A step-up to high-dose ICSs was also associated with a higher number of asthma exacerbations and antibiotics courses. No significant difference in associations was found across subgroups of patients with different blood eosinophil counts.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence that a step-up to high-dose ICSs is effective in preventing future asthma exacerbations.

Childhood asthma is associated with development of type 1 diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases: a Danish nationwide registry study

Asthma and autoimmune disorders might be affected by opposing immune mechanisms, T helper cells type 2 (Th2) and T helper cells type 1 (Th1) immunity, respectively. Knowledge on comorbidity can increase understanding of the underlying etiologies. We aim to examine the association between childhood asthma and subsequent risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Danish children. Children of Danish origin born during 1991-1996 were included and childhood asthma, defined as a minimum of two collected prescriptions of inhalation corticosteroids age 5-7 years, was linked to hospitalisations with either T1D or IBD after age 8. Associations between childhood asthma and incidence of T1D and IBD were analysed using sex- and year stratified Cox regression. A total of 366,200 children were included in the study, 4.9% had asthma, which increased the risk of both T1D and IBD, hazard ratios of 1.32 (1.08-1.61) and 1.27 (1.09-1.48). In this large nationwide Danish study, we found that children with asthma have increased risk of developing immune diseases T1D and IBD. This contradicts the Th1 vs Th2 paradigm and points towards shared disease mechanisms and risk factors.

Hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia: association with the dose of inhaled corticosteroids. A nation-wide cohort study of 52 100 outpatients

OBJECTIVES

International guidelines only advocate the use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experiencing recurring exacerbations and eosinophilic inflammation. However, ICSs are commonly used in patients with COPD and without exacerbations and signs of eosinophilic inflammation, thus possibly increasing the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia. Thus, we aimed to determine the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia associated with increasing cumulated ICS doses among patients with COPD to establish whether there is dose dependency.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study included all patients with COPD treated at a respiratory outpatient clinic in Denmark. The patients were divided into four groups based on their average daily ICS exposure. The dose-response relationship was investigated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 52 100 patients were included, who were divided into the no-use (n = 15 755), low-dose (n = 12 050), moderate-dose (n = 12 488), and high-dose (n = 11 807) groups. ICS use was strongly associated with hospitalization for pneumonia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.3; CI, 1.2-1.3) (ICS vs. no ICS). The risk of hospitalization for pneumonia increased with every dosing group step: low dose: HR, 1.1 (CI, 1.0-1.2); moderate dose: HR, 1.2 (CI, 1.1-1.3), and high dose: HR, 1.5 (CI, 1.4-1.6); "no use" was the reference. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

In the dose-response relationship analysis, ICS dose were associated with a substantially increased risk of hospitalization for pneumonia of up to 50%. Our data support that ICSs should be administered at the lowest possible dose and only to patients with COPD who have a documented need.

A new approach for the detection of obesity-related airway obstruction in lung-healthy individuals

BACKGROUND

Subjects with obesity show an increased prevalence of airway obstruction but it is not clear in each case whether this reflects genuine lung disease. Via intentional increase in end-expiratory lung volume we studied the detection of obesity-induced airway obstruction in lung-healthy obese subjects.

METHODS

The primary study population comprised 66 lung-healthy obese subjects and 23 normal weight subjects. Measurements were performed in a body plethysmograph allowing for recording and quantification of breathing loops in terms of specific airway resistance at both normal and intentionally elevated end-expiratory lung volume. The change in volume was documented by a shutter maneuver.

RESULTS

The voluntary increase of lung volume led to a significant reduction of expiratory airway resistance in 11 of the 66 obese subjects. This reduction could be quantified by a change of total expiratory resistance (sRtEX) of >1 kPa*s but was also clearly visible in the breathing loops. sRtEX showed the largest change among all resistance parameters. The loops of normal weight subjects remained virtually unaffected by the change in lung volume. Moreover, those of 5 obese patients with COPD who were measured for comparison partially showed a reduction of resistance but airway obstruction remained.

CONCLUSION

The proposed breathing maneuver was simple to perform and allowed for a quantitative and qualitative detection of obesity-induced airway obstruction. This might help in reducing the likelihood of misdiagnosis and overtreatment of obese patients.

Screening for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force

IMPORTANCE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the US.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a targeted systematic review to update the evidence on the effectiveness of screening for COPD and the treatment of COPD to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) update of the 2016 recommendation statement on COPD screening.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL for relevant studies published between January 1, 2015, to January 22, 2021; surveillance through March 25, 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

English-language studies of screening in individuals who do not recognize or report respiratory symptoms; studies of treatment in persons with mild or moderate, or minimally symptomatic, COPD.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently appraised the articles and extracted relevant data from fair- or good-quality studies; no quantitative synthesis was conducted.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

COPD-related morbidity or mortality, measures of health-related quality of life, and adverse events.

RESULTS

The review included no trials on the effectiveness of screening, 3 trials or analyses (n = 20 058) of pharmacologic treatment published since 2015, 13 trials (n = 3657) on nonpharmacologic interventions, and 2 large observational studies (n = 243 517) addressing the harms of pharmacologic treatment published since 2015. The results from the clinical trials of pharmacologic therapy are consistent with the previous review supporting the USPSTF that bronchodilators with or without inhaled corticosteroids can reduce COPD exacerbations and tiotropium can improve health-related quality of life in adults with moderate COPD. Overall, there was no consistent benefit observed for any type of nonpharmacologic intervention across a range of patient outcomes. None of the included treatment trials that reported adverse effects found significant harms. Two large observational studies in a screen-relevant population demonstrated an association of the initiation of a long-acting muscarinic antagonist or long-acting beta agonist with the risk of a serious cardiovascular event in treatment-naïve patients and an association of inhaled corticosteroids use with the risk of developing diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this targeted evidence update are generally consistent with the findings of the previous systematic review supporting the 2016 USPSTF recommendation. Evidence of pharmacologic treatment was still largely limited to persons with moderate airflow obstruction, and there was no consistent benefit observed for a range of nonpharmacologic interventions in mild to moderate COPD or in minimally symptomatic persons with COPD.

Narrative Literature Review Guided Approach of Inhaled Corticosteroid de-escalation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVE

To review the 2020 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report recommendations and create an algorithm to assist clinicians in determining which chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients qualify for inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) de-escalation. Data Sources: A literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed from 2002 to August 2021 was conducted using the search terms inhaled corticosteroids, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and de-escalation and review of the reference lists of identified articles for pertinent citations.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Relevant studies and articles were included if they focused on the utilization of ICS in COPD.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The 2020 GOLD report only recommends triple therapy with ICS, long acting beta agonists, and long acting muscarinic antagonists for patients with frequent exacerbations, frequent hospitalizations, or elevated blood eosinophil counts. Despite this clear framework, patients are prescribed ICS without these characteristics. Available evidence suggests that these patients can be de-escalated from ICS therapy without concern for worsening lung function or exacerbations. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Patients with COPD may be experiencing more risk than benefit on ICS therapy. Clinicians should be knowledgeable on how to evaluate patient therapy for appropriateness and know how to safely deprescribe ICS given their limited efficacy in many COPD patients.

CONCLUSION

There remains no specific guidance on how to de-escalate patients off an ICS when the therapy is not indicated. Use of clinical evidence with stepwise algorithms can be models to approach de-escalation of ICS in patients with COPD.

The Role of Blood Eosinophils in the Management of COPD: An Attempt to Answer the Important Clinical Questions

Blood eosinophils have been proposed as a surrogate biomarker of airway eosinophilia that can be used for treatment decisions in patients with COPD, mainly for the identification of candidates for the initiation or withdrawal of therapy with inhaled corticosteroids, as well as for the identification of patients at future risk of exacerbations. In this manuscript we review the recent literature on blood eosinophils in the management of patients with COPD, in an attempt to answer the major questions that are relevant for the practicing clinician. A growing body of evidence suggests that eosinophilic COPD may constitute a separate phenotype of the disease with distinct clinical features and blood eosinophils may represent a potential candidate surrogate marker for specific COPD patients. Several points still need to be clarified, including the role of eosinophils for the identification of candidates for future COPD therapies, yet blood eosinophils plausibly represent the most dependable and promising biomarker for the precision management of COPD today.

Personalising add-on treatment with inhaled corticosteroids in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a benefit-harm modelling study

BACKGROUND

Since the benefit-harm balance of adding inhaled corticosteroids to long-acting β₂-agonists (LABA) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is unclear, we evaluated this addition for a range of patient profiles.

METHODS

Analyses considered the effects of low-to-moderate doses of inhaled corticosteroids, LABA, and LAMA compared with LABA and LAMA alone, outcome incidences, and preference weights assigned to averted moderate-to-severe exacerbations (benefit) and severe pneumonia, candidiasis, and dysphonia (harm). Using exponential models, we estimated the preference weight-adjusted 2-year net clinical benefit (ie, benefits outweighing harms) indices. Exacerbation risk thresholds for triggering inhaled corticosteroids, LABA, and LAMA were established when the probability of a 2-year net clinical benefit reached 60%. We estimated the proportion of patients benefiting from added inhaled corticosteroids using an externally validated prediction model for acute exacerbations in primary care.

FINDINGS

Adding low-to-moderate dose inhaled corticosteroids to LABA and LAMA provided a net clinical benefit in patients with a 2-year baseline exacerbation risk of 54-83%. Low-dose inhaled corticosteroids showed a net clinical benefit if the baseline risk was 40-91%, but not at higher doses. The benefit was modified by blood eosinophil count (BEC) and age. Although no net benefit was associated with a BEC of less than 150 cells per μL, patients with a BEC of 150 cells per μL or more had a net benefit from low-dose inhaled corticosteroids with a 2-year exacerbation risk of 32-95% in those aged 40-79 years and 41-93% in those older than 80 years. A moderate dose of inhaled corticosteroids showed a net benefit in patients younger than 80 years with a BEC of 150 cells per μL or more at 52-86% 2-year exacerbation risk. Depending on the subgroups, the proportion of patients with a net benefit from added inhaled corticosteroids ranged from 0 to 68%.

INTERPRETATION

The net clinical benefit of adding different inhaled corticosteroid doses to LABA and LAMA varies greatly with exacerbation risk, BEC, and age. Personalised treatment decisions based on these factors and predicted exacerbation risks might reduce overtreatment and undertreatment with inhaled corticosteroids.

FUNDING

None.

Association between ICS use and risk of hyperglycemia in COPD patients: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) on risk of hyperglycemia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains ambiguous. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between ICS use and the incidence of hyperglycemia related adverse effects in COPD patients.

METHODS

Medline/PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 25 May 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ICS versus control (non-ICS) treatment for COPD patients reporting on risk of hyperglycemia were included. The Mantel-Haenszel method with fixed-effects modeling was used to calculate pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Seventeen RCTs with 43,430 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled results suggested that there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of hyperglycemia between the ICS group and the control group (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.90-1.16, P = 0.76). In addition, no significant difference was noted in the effect on glucose level (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.79-1.82, P = 0.40), risk of diabetes progression (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.20-3.51, P = 0.81) and new onset diabetes mellitus (RR 1.0, 95% CI 0.88-1.15, P = 0.95) between the ICS group and the control group. These findings also were consistent across all subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of ICS does not have an effect on the blood glucose and is not associated with the risk of new onset diabetes mellitus and diabetes progression in patients with COPD. Further RCTs exploring the association between ICS use and risk of hyperglycemia in COPD patients are still needed to verify our results of this analysis.

Systematic review on long-term adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids in the treatment of COPD

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are indicated for the prevention of exacerbations in COPD; however, a significant proportion of patients at low risk of exacerbations are treated with ICSs. We conducted a systematic review including a diversity of types of study designs and safety outcomes with the objective of describing the risk of adverse effects associated with the long-term use of ICSs in patients with COPD.A total of 90 references corresponding to 83 studies were included, including 26 randomised clinical trials (RCTs), 33 cohort studies, and 24 nested case-control (NCC) studies. Analysis of 19 RCTs showed that exposure to ICSs for ≥1 year increased the risk of pneumonia by 41% (risk ratio 1.41, 95% CI 1.23-1.61). Additionally, cohort and NCC studies showed an association between ICSs and risk of tuberculosis and mycobacterial disease. There was a strong association between ICS use and local disorders such as oral candidiasis and dysphonia. The association between ICSs and the risk of diabetes and fractures was less clear and appeared significant only at high doses of ICSs.Since most patients with COPD are elderly and with frequent comorbidities, an adequate risk-benefit balance is crucial for the indication of ICSs.

Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation in Patients Who Use Methotrexate-A Nationwide Study of 58,580 Outpatients

Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience frequent acute exacerbations and require repeated courses of corticosteroid therapy, which may lead to adverse effects. Methotrexate (MTX) has anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to describe the risk of COPD exacerbation in patients exposed to MTX. In this nationwide cohort study of 58,580 COPD outpatients, we compared the risk of hospitalization-requiring COPD exacerbation or death within 180 days in MTX vs. non-MTX users in a propensity-score matched study population as well as an unmatched cohort, in which we adjusted for confounders. The use of MTX was associated with a reduction in risk of COPD exacerbation in the propensity-score matched population at 180 days follow-up (HR 0.66, CI 0.66–0.66, p < 0.001). Similar results were shown in our sensitivity analyses at 180-day follow-up on unmatched population and 365-day follow-up on matched and unmatched population (HR 0.76 CI 0.59–0.99, HR 0.81 CI 0.81–0.82 and HR 0.92 CI 0.76–1.11, respectively). MTX was associated with a lower risk of COPD exacerbation within the first six months after study entry. The finding seems biologically plausible and could potentially be a part of the management of COPD patients with many exacerbations.

Treatment of COPD Groups GOLD A and B with Inhaled Corticosteroids in the COSYCONET Cohort - Determinants and Consequences

Background

In COPD patients of GOLD groups A and B, a high degree of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) has been reported, which is regarded as overtreatment according to GOLD recommendations. We investigated which factors predict ICS use and which relationship it has to clinical and functional outcomes, or healthcare costs.

Methods

We used pooled data from visits 1 and 3 of the COSYCONET cohort (n=2741, n=2053, interval 1.5 years) including patients categorized as GOLD grades 1-4 and GOLD group A or B at both visits (n=1080). Comparisons were performed using ANOVA, and regression analyses using propensity matching and inverse probability weighting to adjust for differences between ICS groups. These were defined as having ICS at both visits (always) vs no ICS at both visits (never). Measures were divided into predictors of ICS treatment and outcomes.

Results

Among 1080 patients, 608 patients were eligible for ICS groups (n=297 never, n=311 always). Prior to matching, patients with ICS showed significantly (p<0.05 each) impaired lung function, symptoms and exacerbation history. After matching, the outcomes generic quality of life and CO diffusing capacity were increased in ICS patients (p<0.05 each). Moreover, costs for respiratory medication, but not total health care costs, were significantly elevated in the ICS group by 780€ per year.

Conclusion

ICS therapy in COPD GOLD A/B patients can have small positive and negative effects on clinical outcomes and health care costs, indicating that the clinical evaluation of ICS over-therapy in COPD requires a multi-dimensional approach.

Inhaled corticosteroids and the risk of type 2 diabetes among Swedish COPD patients

This study reports the association of ICS use and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Swedish patients with COPD using data from real-world, primary care settings. A total of 7078 patients with COPD were included in this analysis and the 5-year cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 person years was 1506.9. The yearly incidence rate per 100,000 person years ranged from 850 to 1919. Use of ICS especially at a high dose in patients with COPD was related to an increased risk of T2DM.

Pragmatic trial on inhaled corticosteroid withdrawal in patients with COPD in general practice

The therapeutic value of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) for COPD is limited. In published RCTs, ICS could be withdrawn in COPD patients without increasing exacerbation risk when bronchodilator treatment is optimized. Here we report on the feasibility and risks of ICS withdrawal in Dutch general practice for COPD patients without an indication for ICSs. In our pragmatic trial, general practitioners decided autonomously which of their COPD patients on ICS treatment could stop this, how this was done, and whether additional bronchodilator therapy was needed. We recruited 62 COPD patients (58 analysed) who were eligible for ICS withdrawal in 79 practices. In 32 patients (55.2%, 95% CI: 42.5–67.3%) ICS was withdrawn successfully, 19 (32.8%, 95% CI: 22.1–45.6%) restarted ICS treatment within six months, 12 patients (20.7%, 95% CI: 12.3–32.8%) had a moderate exacerbation, and one patient had a severe exacerbation. ICS withdrawal was successful in just over half of the patients with COPD without an indication for ICS.

Role of Type2 Inflammatory Biomarkers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Airway inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is typically thought to be driven by Type1 immune responses, while Type2 inflammation appears to be present in definite proportions in the stable state and during exacerbations. In fact, some COPD patients showed gene expression of Type2 inflammation in the airway, and this subset was associated with the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) response. Interestingly enough, the relationship between COPD and diseases associated with Type2 inflammation from the perspective of impaired lung development is increasingly highlighted by recent epidemiologic studies on the origin of COPD. Therefore, many researchers have shown an interest in the prevalence and the role of existent Type2 biomarkers such as sputum and blood eosinophils, exhaled nitric oxide fraction, and atopy, not only in asthma but also in COPD. Although the evidence about Type2 biomarkers in COPD is inconsistent and less robust, Type2 biomarkers have shown some potential when analyzing various clinical outcomes or therapeutic response to ICS. In this article, we review the existent and emerging Type2 biomarkers with clinically higher applicability in the management of COPD.

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.

Withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids in COPD: a European Respiratory Society guideline

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) combined with bronchodilators can reduce the frequency of exacerbations in some patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is evidence, however, that ICS are frequently used in patients where their benefit has not been established. Therefore, there is a need for a personalised approach to the use of ICS in COPD and to consider withdrawal of ICS in patients without a clear indication. This document reports European Respiratory Society recommendations regarding ICS withdrawal in patients with COPD.Comprehensive evidence synthesis was performed to summarise all available evidence relevant to the question: should ICS be withdrawn in patients with COPD? The evidence was appraised using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach and the results were summarised in evidence profiles. The evidence synthesis was discussed and recommendations formulated by a committee with expertise in COPD and guideline methodology.After considering the balance of desirable and undesirable consequences, quality of evidence, and feasibility and acceptability of interventions, the guideline panel made: 1) conditional recommendation for the withdrawal of ICS in patients with COPD without a history of frequent exacerbations, 2) strong recommendation not to withdraw ICS in patients with blood eosinophil counts ≥300 eosinophils·µL^-1 and 3) strong recommendation to treat with one or two long-acting bronchodilators if ICS are withdrawn.A conditional recommendation indicates that there was uncertainty about the balance of desirable and undesirable consequences of the intervention, and that well-informed patients may make different choices regarding whether to have or not have the specific intervention.