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Mathioudakis AG, Ananth S, Bradbury T, Csoma B, Sivapalan P, Stovold E, Fernandez-Romero G, Lazar Z, Criner GJ, Jenkins C, Papi A, Jensen JU, Vestbo J. Assessing Treatment Success or Failure as an Outcome in Randomised Clinical Trials of COPD Exacerbations. A Meta-Epidemiological Study. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121837. [PMID: 34944653 PMCID: PMC8698292 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A recently published ERS core outcome set recommends that all trials of COPD exacerbation management should assess the treatment success (or “cure” of the exacerbation), defined as a dichotomous measure of the overall outcome of an exacerbation. This methodological systematic review describes and compares the instruments that were used to assess treatment success or failure in 54 such RCTs, published between 2006–2020. Twenty-three RCTs used composite measures consisting of several undesirable outcomes of an exacerbation, together defining an overall unfavourable outcome, to define treatment failure. Thirty-four RCTs used descriptive instruments that used qualitative or semi-quantitative descriptions to define cure, marked improvement, improvement of the exacerbation, or treatment failure. Treatment success and failure rates among patients receiving guidelines-directed treatments at different settings and timepoints are described and could be used to inform power calculations in future trials. Descriptive instruments appeared more sensitive to treatment effects compared to composite instruments. Further methodological studies are needed to optimise the evaluation of treatment success/failure. In the meantime, based on the findings of this systematic review, the ERS core outcome set recommends that cure should be defined as sufficient improvement of the signs and symptoms of the exacerbation such that no additional systemic treatments are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G. Mathioudakis
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK;
- North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Sachin Ananth
- West Hertfordshire Hospital NHS Trust, Watford WD18 0HB, UK;
| | - Thomas Bradbury
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 1466, Australia; (T.B.); (C.J.)
| | - Balazs Csoma
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (B.C.); (Z.L.)
| | - Pradeesh Sivapalan
- Section of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark; (P.S.); (J.-U.J.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth Stovold
- Cochrane Airways Group, Population Health Research Institute, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK;
| | - Gustavo Fernandez-Romero
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (G.F.-R.); (G.J.C.)
| | - Zsofia Lazar
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary; (B.C.); (Z.L.)
| | - Gerard J. Criner
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA; (G.F.-R.); (G.J.C.)
| | - Christine Jenkins
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 1466, Australia; (T.B.); (C.J.)
| | - Alberto Papi
- Research Center on Asthma and COPD, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Jens-Ulrik Jensen
- Section of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark; (P.S.); (J.-U.J.)
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Vestbo
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester M23 9LT, UK;
- North West Lung Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
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Dobler CC, Morrow AS, Beuschel B, Farah MH, Majzoub AM, Wilson ME, Hasan B, Seisa MO, Daraz L, Prokop LJ, Murad MH, Wang Z. Pharmacologic Therapies in Patients With Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med 2020; 172:413-422. [PMID: 32092762 DOI: 10.7326/m19-3007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by frequent exacerbations. PURPOSE To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and adverse events (AEs) of pharmacologic interventions for adults with exacerbation of COPD. DATA SOURCES English-language searches of several bibliographic sources from database inception to 2 January 2019. STUDY SELECTION 68 randomized controlled trials that enrolled adults with exacerbation of COPD treated in out- or inpatient settings other than intensive care and compared pharmacologic therapies with placebo, "usual care," or other pharmacologic interventions. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently extracted data and rated study quality and strength of evidence (SOE). DATA SYNTHESIS Compared with placebo or management without antibiotics, antibiotics given for 3 to 14 days were associated with increased exacerbation resolution at the end of the intervention (odds ratio [OR], 2.03 [95% CI, 1.47 to 2.80]; moderate SOE) and less treatment failure at the end of the intervention (OR, 0.54 [CI, 0.34 to 0.86]; moderate SOE), independent of severity of exacerbations in out- and inpatients. Compared with placebo in out- and inpatients, systemic corticosteroids given for 9 to 56 days were associated with less treatment failure at the end of the intervention (OR, 0.01 [CI, 0.00 to 0.13]; low SOE) but also with a higher number of total and endocrine-related AEs. Compared with placebo or usual care in inpatients, other pharmacologic interventions (aminophyllines, magnesium sulfate, anti-inflammatory agents, inhaled corticosteroids, and short-acting bronchodilators) had insufficient evidence, showing either no or inconclusive effects (with the exception of the mucolytic erdosteine) or improvement only in lung function. LIMITATION Scant evidence for many interventions; several studies had unclear or high risk of bias and inadequate reporting of AEs. CONCLUSION Antibiotics and systemic corticosteroids reduce treatment failure in adults with mild to severe exacerbation of COPD. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (PROSPERO: CRD42018111609).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia C Dobler
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, and Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Bond University and Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia (C.C.D.)
| | - Allison S Morrow
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
| | - Bradley Beuschel
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
| | - Magdoleen H Farah
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
| | - Abdul M Majzoub
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
| | - Michael E Wilson
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
| | - Bashar Hasan
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
| | - Mohamed O Seisa
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
| | - Lubna Daraz
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
| | - Larry J Prokop
- Library Public Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (L.J.P.)
| | - M Hassan Murad
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
| | - Zhen Wang
- Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (A.S.M., B.B., M.H.F., A.M.M., M.E.W., B.H., M.O.S., L.D., M.H.M., Z.W.)
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Crisafulli E, Barbeta E, Ielpo A, Torres A. Management of severe acute exacerbations of COPD: an updated narrative review. Multidiscip Respir Med 2018; 13:36. [PMID: 30302247 PMCID: PMC6167788 DOI: 10.1186/s40248-018-0149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may experience an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms that results in additional therapy; this event is defined as a COPD exacerbation (AECOPD). Hospitalization for AECOPD is accompanied by a rapid decline in health status with a high risk of mortality or other negative outcomes such as need for endotracheal intubation or intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Treatments for AECOPD aim to minimize the negative impact of the current exacerbation and to prevent subsequent events, such as relapse or readmission to hospital. Main body In this narrative review, we update the scientific evidence about the in-hospital pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments used in the management of a severe AECOPD. We review inhaled bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics for the pharmacological approach, and oxygen, high flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) oxygen therapy, non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) as non-pharmacological treatments. We also review some studies of non-conventional drugs that have been proposed for severe AECOPD. Conclusion Several treatments exist for severe AECOPD patients requiring hospitalization. Some treatments such as steroids and NIMV (in patients admitted with a hypercapnic acute respiratory failure and respiratory acidosis) are supported by strong evidence of their efficacy. HFNC oxygen therapy needs further prospective studies. Although antibiotics are preferred in ICU patients, there is a lack of evidence regarding the preferred drugs and optimal duration of treatment for non-ICU patients. Early rehabilitation, if associated with standard treatment of patients, is recommended due to its feasibility and safety. There are currently few promising new drugs or new applications of existing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Crisafulli
- 1Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Enric Barbeta
- 2Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonella Ielpo
- 1Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Antoni Torres
- 2Pneumology Department, Clinic Institute of Thorax, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Burchette JE, Campbell GD, Geraci SA. Preventing Hospitalizations From Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Med Sci 2016; 353:31-40. [PMID: 28104101 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive lung disease is among the leading causes of adult hospital admissions and readmissions in the United States. Preventing acute exacerbations is the primary approach in therapy. Combinations of smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, vaccinations and inhaled and oral medications may all reduce the overall risk of acute exacerbations. When prevention is unsuccessful, treatment of exacerbations often does not require hospitalization but can be safely executed in the outpatient setting. In the patient who does not require mechanical ventilation or who manifests respiratory acidosis, oxygen supplementation, frequent short-acting inhaled bronchodilators, oral corticosteroids and often antibiotics can abort the decompensation and sometimes return the patient to his or her pre-attack baseline lung function. Several models exist for delivering this care in the ambulatory setting. Follow-up care after an exacerbation has resolved is important, though there are few hard data suggesting which approach is best in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Burchette
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Gatton College of Pharmacy, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee.
| | - G Douglas Campbell
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, Mississippi; G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Bonilla Arcos D, Krishnan JA, Vandivier RW, Sevransky JE, Checkley W, Kiser TH, Sullivan JL, Walsh JW, Wise RA, Wilson KC. High-Dose Versus Low-Dose Systemic Steroids in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review. CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASES-JOURNAL OF THE COPD FOUNDATION 2016; 3:580-588. [PMID: 28848882 DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.3.2.2015.0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Treatment of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with systemic steroids reduces treatment failure, shortens hospital length of stay, improves lung function, and reduces dyspnea. However, it can also cause hyperglycemia, delirium, fluid retention, and other side effects. The balance of these desirable and undesirable effects probably varies according to the steroid dose. Methods: We asked the question, "Should patients having an AECOPD receive low-dose or high-dose systemic steroids?" We searched Medline and the Cochran Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) using a sensitive search strategy built around the medical subject heading, "COPD," and variations of the keywords exacerbation, steroids, and randomized trials. Our search yielded 1702 articles in Medline and 885 articles in CENTRAL; we reviewed the full text of 35 articles and selected 11 studies that met the following conditions: randomized trial, enrolled patients having an AECOPD, compared one systemic steroid regimen to another, measured clinical outcomes, and was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Results: None of the selected trials directly compared the effects of different systemic steroid doses on clinical outcomes in patients with AECOPD. Four trials compared durations of steroid treatment, 3 trials compared types of steroids, 1 trial compared routes of steroid delivery, and 3 trials compared multiple variables. Conclusion: There is a paucity of data to support the selection of a systemic steroid dose in patients having an AECOPD. Randomized trials that measure patient-centered outcomes and compare doses of systemic steroids in patients having an AECOPD are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerry A Krishnan
- University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago
| | - R William Vandivier
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver
| | - Jonathan E Sevransky
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - William Checkley
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tyree H Kiser
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver
| | | | - John W Walsh
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robert A Wise
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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Severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: does the dosage of corticosteroids and type of antibiotic matter? Curr Opin Pulm Med 2016; 21:142-8. [PMID: 25575365 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are significant events that result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Antibiotic therapy and systemic corticosteroids are important treatments for patients with severe AECOPD. The objective of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence concerning antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy, with a focused evaluation on the contribution of antibiotic type and corticosteroid dosage on patient outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Macrolides should be considered the antibiotic of choice for prevention of AECOPD in patients who qualify for therapy. Macrolides, fluoroquinolones, and beta-lactams are all reasonable treatment options for severe AECOPD and the decision to use one over the other should be based upon patient characteristics and institutional or regional antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. The best available evidence now suggests that higher-dose corticosteroids are not superior to treatment with lower-dose corticosteroids in patients with severe AECOPD. Additionally, longer durations of systemic corticosteroid therapy do not improve clinical outcomes. SUMMARY Several antibiotic options are efficacious in the management of severe AECOPD and drug selection should be patient-specific. Recent studies suggest that lower dosages and shorter durations of corticosteroid treatment may be prudent.
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Criner GJ, Bourbeau J, Diekemper RL, Ouellette DR, Goodridge D, Hernandez P, Curren K, Balter MS, Bhutani M, Camp PG, Celli BR, Dechman G, Dransfield MT, Fiel SB, Foreman MG, Hanania NA, Ireland BK, Marchetti N, Marciniuk DD, Mularski RA, Ornelas J, Road JD, Stickland MK. Prevention of acute exacerbations of COPD: American College of Chest Physicians and Canadian Thoracic Society Guideline. Chest 2015; 147:894-942. [PMID: 25321320 PMCID: PMC4388124 DOI: 10.1378/chest.14-1676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States as well as throughout the rest of the world. An exacerbation of COPD (periodic escalations of symptoms of cough, dyspnea, and sputum production) is a major contributor to worsening lung function, impairment in quality of life, need for urgent care or hospitalization, and cost of care in COPD. Research conducted over the past decade has contributed much to our current understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of COPD. Additionally, an evolving literature has accumulated about the prevention of acute exacerbations. METHODS In recognition of the importance of preventing exacerbations in patients with COPD, the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) joint evidence-based guideline (AECOPD Guideline) was developed to provide a practical, clinically useful document to describe the current state of knowledge regarding the prevention of acute exacerbations according to major categories of prevention therapies. Three key clinical questions developed using the PICO (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) format addressed the prevention of acute exacerbations of COPD: nonpharmacologic therapies, inhaled therapies, and oral therapies. We used recognized document evaluation tools to assess and choose the most appropriate studies and to extract meaningful data and grade the level of evidence to support the recommendations in each PICO question in a balanced and unbiased fashion. RESULTS The AECOPD Guideline is unique not only for its topic, the prevention of acute exacerbations of COPD, but also for the first-in-kind partnership between two of the largest thoracic societies in North America. The CHEST Guidelines Oversight Committee in partnership with the CTS COPD Clinical Assembly launched this project with the objective that a systematic review and critical evaluation of the published literature by clinical experts and researchers in the field of COPD would lead to a series of recommendations to assist clinicians in their management of the patient with COPD. CONCLUSIONS This guideline is unique because it provides an up-to-date, rigorous, evidence-based analysis of current randomized controlled trial data regarding the prevention of COPD exacerbations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean Bourbeau
- Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Montreal Chest Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Donna Goodridge
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Paul Hernandez
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kristen Curren
- School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Mohit Bhutani
- Division of Respirology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pat G Camp
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Bartolome R Celli
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gail Dechman
- Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Mark T Dransfield
- University of Alabama at Birmingham and Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Darcy D Marciniuk
- Division of Respirology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | | | - Jeremy D Road
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Abstract
This literature review updates the reader on the new studies regarding steroid therapy over the last year in stable COPD and in exacerbations. In stable COPD, we critique the 2011 update and 2013 revision of the GOLD guidelines, discuss why combining inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) with long-acting beta-agonists (LABA) (ICS/LABA) is preferable over LABA alone and review the literature for intraclass differences, finding that the evidence does not clearly support superiority of any particular ICS/LABA. We also address other comparisons against ICS/LABA, including triple therapy. We briefly review which type of inhaler should be chosen. For exacerbations, we report the REDUCE trial findings favouring a 5-day course of systemic steroids, and other trials addressing which steroid and route to use, including in an intensive care setting. Lastly, the future lies in new anti-inflammatories and re-phenotyping the heterogeneous amalgamation of COPD. A Spanish guideline recommends distinguishing steroid-responsive eosinophilic exacerbators from other phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan A De Coster
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, Upper 3rd Floor, UCL Medical School (Royal Free Campus), Rowland Hill Street, London, UK NW3 2PF
| | - Melvyn Jones
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College London, Upper 3rd Floor, UCL Medical School (Royal Free Campus), Rowland Hill Street, London, UK NW3 2PF
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