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Original Research

Impact of frequency of COPD exacerbations on pulmonary function, health status and clinical outcomes

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Pages 245-251 | Published online: 24 Jun 2009
 

Abstract

Background

COPD exacerbations are responsible for the morbidity and mortality of this disease. The relationship between exacerbations and patient-related clinical outcomes is not clearly understood.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of two 1-year, placebo-controlled clinical trials with tiotropium 18 μg daily was conducted to examine relationships between exacerbations and other clinical outcomes. The relationship between FEV1, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the transition dyspnea index (TDI) were examined based on the frequency of exacerbations (0, 1, 2, >2).

Results

921 patients participated in the trials (mean age 65 years, mean FEV1 = 1.02 L (39% predicted). The percent change from baseline in FEV1 in the tiotropium group was +12.6%, +12.0%, +2.1% and +8.9%; and in the placebo group was −3.4%, −3.4%, −5.7% and −6.7% for exacerbation frequencies of 0, 1, 2, >2, respectively. Compared with baseline, the largest improvement in SGRQ occurred in patients with no exacerbations. In the placebo group, there was a significant association between an increased frequency of exacerbations and worsening SGRQ scores. A reduction in exacerbation rates of 4.4% to 42.0% such as that shown in this study cohort was associated with meaningful changes in questionnaire based instruments.

Conclusions

In the placebo-treated patients increased frequency of exacerbations was associated with larger decrements in FEV1, TDI, and SGRQ. A reduction in the frequency of exacerbations is associated with changes that are considered meaningful in these clinical outcomes.

Disclosures

Dr Anzueto had full access to all study data and takes responsibility for data integrity and accuracy of data analysis. Dr Kesten and Dr Leimer are employees of Boehringer Ingelheim.