Reduced All-Cause Mortality in the ETHOS Trial of Budesonide/Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Parallel-Group Study

Real-world effectiveness of budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate metered dose inhaler on symptoms and quality of life in patients with COPD: EBISU study

BACKGROUND

There are limited real-world data regarding triple therapy with inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting β2-agonist on symptoms and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), without current/history of asthma. We investigated the effects of budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate (BGF) metered dose inhaler (MDI) triple therapy on health status and PROs in patients with COPD in daily clinical practice.

METHODS

This was a 12-week, prospective, multicenter, observational study (NCT05219630). The primary endpoint was mean change from baseline in the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) over 12 weeks. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included mean change from baseline in the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) over 12 weeks and CAT score subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 102 patients were analyzed; mean age at baseline was 73.8 years, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 57.7 %, CAT total score was 15.6, and SGRQ score was 33.3. The adjusted mean change from baseline over 12 weeks in CAT was -2.9 (standard error [SE] 0.5) (P < 0.001), and in SGRQ was -2.7 (SE 0.9) (P = 0.004). As early as Week 4, these scores were significantly improved from baseline. In subgroup analyses, CAT scores were improved, regardless of blood eosinophil counts at baseline and exacerbation history in the previous year.

CONCLUSIONS

Triple therapy with a BGF MDI significantly improved CAT and SGRQ scores over 12 weeks. BGF MDI could be a suitable option for patients living with COPD who have persistent symptoms without current asthma or a history of asthma.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05219630).

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Developments in Pharmacological Treatments

The immediate goals of pharmacological management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are to minimise symptoms and improve exercise performance. The longer-term goals are to reduce the future risk of exacerbations, lung function decline and mortality. It is now recognised that a subset of COPD patients have type 2 inflammation, which is identified by the presence of higher blood eosinophil counts (BEC). Individuals with higher BEC show a greater response to pharmacological interventions targeting type 2 inflammation, including inhaled corticosteroids and the monoclonal antibody, dupilumab. The use of BEC as a biomarker to guide pharmacological treatment has enabled a precision medicine approach in COPD. This article reviews recent advances in the pharmacological treatment of COPD, encompassing the optimum use of inhaled combination treatments and the evidence to support the use of the novel inhaled phosphodiesterase inhibitor ensifentrine and monoclonal antibodies in patients with COPD.

Step up to triple therapy versus switch to dual bronchodilator therapy in patients with COPD on an inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist: post-hoc analyses of KRONOS

BACKGROUND

In people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LABA) therapy, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) recommends stepping up to ICS/long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) in those with exacerbations or switching to LAMA/LABA in those with major symptoms. However, the effect of stepping up to ICS/LAMA/LABA versus switching to LAMA/LABA on exacerbation risk is unclear. This analysis evaluated the effect of escalating to ICS/LAMA/LABA versus switching to LAMA/LABA or staying on ICS/LABA on lung function and exacerbation rates in symptomatic individuals with COPD without a recent exacerbation history from KRONOS.

METHODS

In KRONOS (NCT02497001), symptomatic participants with moderate-to-very severe COPD (exacerbations in the prior year were not required for inclusion) were randomized to budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate dihydrate 320/14.4/10 μg (BGF), glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate dihydrate 14.4/10 μg (GFF), budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate 320/10 μg (BFF) via metered-dose inhaler, or budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate 400/12 μg via dry-powder inhaler (BUD/FORM) for 24 weeks. In participants without a recent exacerbation history on ICS/LABA in the 30 days before screening, morning pre-dose trough FEV1 change from baseline and moderate/severe exacerbation rates over 24 weeks were analyzed post-hoc using linear repeated measures models and negative binomial regression, respectively, and participants escalated to ICS/LAMA/LABA (BGF) were compared with those switching to LAMA/LABA (GFF) or staying on ICS/LABA (BFF or BUD/FORM).

RESULTS

On stepping up to BGF, least square means (95% confidence interval [CI]) differences for morning pre-dose trough FEV1 change from baseline over 24 weeks was similar versus switching to GFF (12 [-21, 44] mL) but greater versus staying on ICS/LABA (BGF vs. BFF, 106 [64, 148] mL; BGF vs. BUD/FORM, 55 [12, 97] mL). Moderate/severe exacerbations were experienced by participants in all treatment arms (BGF, 14.9%; GFF, 24.0%; BFF 17.6%; BUD/FORM, 21.2%). Exacerbation risk was reduced when stepping up to BGF versus switching to GFF (rate ratio [95% CI]: 0.57 [0.35, 0.94]); rate ratios (95% CI) for BGF versus remaining on ICS/LABA were 0.93 (0.47, 1.82) with BFF and 0.62 (0.33, 1.18) with BUD/FORM.

CONCLUSIONS

People with symptomatic COPD and no recent exacerbation history previously on ICS/LABA had reduced exacerbation risk after escalating to ICS/LAMA/LABA versus switching to LAMA/LABA, and improved lung function versus staying on ICS/LABA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov registry number NCT02497001 (registration date, 7 July 2015).

Prevalence of microspirometry-detected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in two European cohorts of patients hospitalised for acute myocardial infarction: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To establish the prevalence of clinically significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and relevant characteristics in individuals with a significant smoking history who are hospitalised for acute myocardial infarction (MI).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Hospital inpatients at 8 European centres (7 in Sweden, 1 in the UK).

PARTICIPANTS

518 men or women (302 in Sweden, 216 in the UK) hospitalised for acute MI, aged 40 years or older, with a smoking history of at least 10 pack-years.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was prevalence of detected significant COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stages 2-4), defined as a ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 and 6 s (FEV1/FEV6) <0.7 and FEV1 <80% of the predicted value, measured using microspirometry. Secondary outcome measures were prior diagnosis of COPD, prescription of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), symptom burden (COPD Assessment Test (CAT)) and blood eosinophil count.

RESULTS

The prevalence of significant COPD was 91/518 (18% (95% CI 14 to 21)) with no difference between the countries. Of those with detected significant COPD, 69 (76%) had no previous COPD diagnosis. A CAT score >10 was found in 65%, and a blood eosinophil count of ≥100/mm3 and ≥300/mm3 was found in 76% and 20%, respectively. Inhaled corticosteroids were used by 15% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of patients hospitalised for acute MI in Sweden and the UK, one in five patients with a history of smoking was found to have significant COPD based on microspirometry. Symptom burden was high and treatment rates with ICS low. Among those diagnosed with COPD, three out of four had not been previously diagnosed with COPD.

Risk trajectory of cardiovascular events after an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality. However, the temporal trend of this risk has not fully elucidated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to quantify the risk of CV events after COPD exacerbations over different time periods.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the temporal association between CV events, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heart failure (HF), acute cereberovascular events, arrhythmia and all-cause mortality after the onset of COPD exacerbations in the following timepoints: 1-30 and 31-180 days; 1-7, 8-14, 15-30, 31-180, 181-365 and >365 days.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases, identifying observational studies that reported CV outcomes following COPD exacerbations. Studies were included if they enrolled adults diagnosed with COPD and compared CV event rates during exacerbation and non-exacerbation periods (PROSPERO, CRD42024561490).

RESULTS

Sixteen studies with over 1.8 million participants were included. Our meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly increased risk of ACS, HF, cerebrovascular events and arrhythmia, with the highest magnitude of risk observed in the period 1-30 days following an exacerbation. This increased risk showed a decline in time points 31-180, 181-365 days and remained persistently higher for ACS even one year after an acute exacerbation. Notably, the risk of HF was found to be greater compared to the other CV outcomes.

CONCLUSION

COPD exacerbations significantly increase the risk of acute CV events, particularly within the first 30 days. Optimal strategies to reduce cardiopulmonary risk are needed.

Chronicity of disease mandates quality-of-life prioritization - a role for digital health and patient-reported outcome measures

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Characteristics of Patients Receiving Budesonide/Glycopyrronium/Formoterol for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Spain: The AURA Study

Background

Single-inhaler triple therapy with budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate (BGF; Trixeo Aerosphere®) was approved in the European Union in December 2020 for maintenance treatment in adult patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are not adequately treated by dual therapy, and has been available in Spain since February 2022. This real-world, observational, retrospective cohort study, AURA Spain, describes the demographics, clinical characteristics, and healthcare resource utilization of patients initiating single-inhaler BGF triple therapy.

Methods

Electronic medical records in the Spanish Healthcare System anonymized, integrated BIG-PAC® database were analyzed to identify COPD patients aged ≥40 years initiating single-inhaler BGF between 1 February 2022 and 31 January 2023.

Results

Patients (N=482) had a mean (standard deviation, SD) age of 71.5 (10.0) years, mean BMI of 29.6 (6.2) kg/m2, most were aged ≥65 years (73.7%) and male (62.5%). Most were former (62.7%) or current (24.5%) smokers. Applying GOLD FEV1 thresholds, severity of COPD was moderate in 49.8% of patients, severe (41.9%), and very severe (6.5%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (62.2%), dyslipidemia (56.8%), and anxiety (42.5%), and 85.9% had one or more cardiovascular-related comorbidity. Overall, 57.3% experienced at least one moderate or severe exacerbation in the 12-month baseline period, 9.5% visited the emergency department for COPD-related reasons; and 12.7% were hospitalized for COPD (median length of stay 7 [interquartile range: 6-8] days). Patients initiating single-inhaled BGF triple therapy escalated from monotherapy (2.3%) or dual therapy (62.7%), switched from other triple therapies (31.3%), or were treatment-naïve (3.7%).

Conclusion

Single-inhaler BGF triple therapy was initiated mostly as an escalation from dual maintenance therapy, with many switching from triple therapy, in patients with a high burden of disease, as demonstrated by their frequent exacerbation profile, advanced COPD severity (moderate to very severe obstruction) and the high frequency of several comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases.

Pathophysiological and Prognostic Importance of an ExtraCardiac Comorbidity Burden in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background

Extracardiac comorbidities are highly prevalent in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We investigated the pathophysiological contribution of an extracardiac comorbidity burden to cardiac function, exercise capacity, and prognosis in patients with HFpEF.

Methods

A total of 775 patients (372 HFpEF patients and 403 control subjects) underwent exercise echocardiography, with simultaneous expired gas analysis. We separated the previously validated Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) risk score into cardiac, extracardiac, and demographic categories. An Extracardiac burden was defined as an extracardiac domain score ≥ 5 (median value).

Results

Compared to control subjects (n = 403) and patients with HFpEF without an extracardiac burden (n = 185), patients with HFpEF with an extracardiac burden (n = 187) had higher natriuretic peptide levels and worse exercise capacity. They also had worse ventilatory efficiency and worse peripheral O2 extraction during exercise. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that HFpEF patients with an extracardiac burden had a significantly higher risk of the composite outcome of all-cause mortality and worsening HF events than did those without this burden (log-rank P < 0.0001). Cox regression analysis showed that the extracardiac domain score was significantly associated with a higher risk of the composite events (P < 0.0001). In contrast, an extracardiac comorbidity burden was not associated with impaired exercise capacity, worse ventilatory efficiency, impaired peripheral O2 extraction, or worse clinical outcomes in control subjects.

Conclusions

An extracardiac comorbidity burden in patients with HFpEF is associated with relevant pathophysiological features characterized by impaired exercise capacity, worse ventilatory efficiency, impaired O2 extraction and utilization in the periphery, and poor clinical outcomes.

Comparison of the efficacy of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation combined with and without budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate metered dose inhaler in the treatment of acute exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective

Mechanical ventilation, such as noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), is often used to relieve the symptoms of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), but its treatment effect is limited. This study explored the application effect of NIPPV combined with budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate metered dose inhaler (BGF MDI) in AECOPD.

Methods

The clinical records of 152 patients with AECOPD treated in the First People's Hospital of Yongkang City from March 2023 to March 2024 were retrospectively selected and grouped based on the ventilation method used: simple NIPPV treatment (n=78) and NIPPV combined with BGF MDI (n=74). The primary outcome was improvement in oxygenation; the secondary outcomes were the recovery of body function and levels of inflammatory markers.

Results

After two weeks of treatment, the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the combination group was significantly lower than in the NIPPV group, while the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and oxygenation index (OI) were significantly higher (P<0.05). The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores of the combined group were significantly lower, while the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) score was higher compared to the NIPPV group (P<0.05). The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the combined group were significantly lower compared to the NIPPV group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

NIPPV combined with BGF MDI has higher benefits than NIPPV alone for treating patients with AECOPD.

Effectiveness of Single Versus Multiple Inhaler Triple Therapy on Mortality and Cardiopulmonary Risk Reduction in COPD: The SKOPOS-MAZI Study

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have elevated cardiopulmonary and mortality risk, particularly following exacerbations. While single inhaler triple therapies (SITTs), such as budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (BGF), reduce cardiopulmonary risk versus dual bronchodilator therapy, there is limited evidence comparing outcomes with SITTs versus multiple inhaler triple therapies (MITTs).

METHODS

SKOPOS-MAZI was a retrospective comparative effectiveness study in patients with COPD aged ≥40 years using US administrative claims data from Optum's deidentified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database. The primary and secondary endpoints were time to all-cause mortality and time to first severe cardiopulmonary event following initiation of BGF or MITT (identification period: October 1, 2020-June 30, 2023; index date: first prescription fill). Relative hazards of outcomes were assessed until a censoring event using Cox proportional hazards models, with inverse propensity treatment weighting accounting for between-group imbalances (standardized mean difference >0.1) in baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

In the primary cohort, risk (hazard ratio [95% confidence intervals]) of all-cause mortality and a first severe cardiopulmonary event were 18% (0.82 [0.75, 0.91]) and 12% (0.88 [0.83, 0.93]) lower in patients initiating BGF versus MITT; results were consistent across censoring definitions, landmark periods, and sensitivity cohorts.

CONCLUSION

In this real-world comparative effectiveness study of patients with COPD initiating BGF or MITT, BGF was associated with lower all-cause mortality and severe cardiopulmonary event risk versus MITT after accounting for between-group differences in baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. This study supports the benefits of BGF over MITT and the need to consider proactive use of SITTs in COPD management.

The Intersection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: Recent Insights in a Challenging Area

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are 2 prevalent and interconnected health conditions that have a significant global impact. COPD is characterized by airflow obstruction and is caused by smoking and/or environmental factors. COPD is associated with chronic inflammation and structural changes in the airways and lung parenchyma. CVD encompasses various cardiac and vascular conditions and is a leading global cause of mortality, with risk factors that include diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia. CVDs discussed in this review, in relation to COPD, include hypertension, coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and cerebrovascular disease. The interplay between COPD and CVD is evident, with shared risk factors and physiological mechanisms contributing to their frequent comorbidity. Therefore, an integrated approach to care involving primary care physicians, respirologists, and cardiologists is essential to effectively manage the dual burden of COPD and CVD. This review outlines the shared risks and underlying mechanisms of these conditions, their diagnosis, and the clinical implications of dual COPD and CVD in a patient, including how COPD exacerbations significantly elevate the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality. Pharmacologic CVD and COPD therapies, as well as their CV and respiratory effects, are discussed. Key trials (Towards a Revolution in COPD Health [TORCH]; Study to Understand Mortality and Morbidity in COPD [SUMMIT]; InforMing the Pathway of COPD Treatment [IMPACT]; and Efficacy and Safety of Triple Therapy in Obstructive Lung Disease [ETHOS]) are discussed that demonstrate the effectiveness of triple bronchodilator therapy in reducing exacerbation rates, as well as all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with COPD and CVD. Overall, this review highlights the need for an integrated approach to patient management, involving collaboration among primary care physicians, respirologists, and cardiologists, to effectively address the dual burden of these diseases.

Effect of triple inhaled therapy on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality compared with dual inhaled therapy in COPD: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is uncertainty about the role of triple inhaled therapy with LAMA/LABA/ICS (long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting β2-agonist/inhaled glucocorticoids) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on cardiovascular mortality. We estimated the effect of triple inhaled therapy (TT) compared with dual inhaled therapy (DT, including either LAMA/LABA or LABA/ICS) on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in an evidence synthesis, METHODS: Following prospective registration (https://osf.io/gtfvm), a comprehensive search strategy of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase was performed, without language or time restrictions until September 30, 2024. All randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating TT vs. DT and reporting cardiovascular or all-cause mortality were included. We assessed risk of bias and conducted a random effect meta-analysis estimating summary relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), evaluating heterogeneity using I2. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was undertaken to hierarchically rank the therapies using P-score.

RESULTS

From 781 citations, 5 RCTs were selected. There were 3 three-arm RCTs comparing TT vs. LABA/ICS vs. LAMA/LABA, 1 two-arm RCT comparing TT vs. LABA/ICS, and 1 two-arm RCT comparing TT vs. LAMA/LABA (total of 7855 patients receiving TT, 7003 LABA/ICS and 5059 LAMA/LABA). The risk of bias was moderate in 2 (40%), and low in 3 (60%) RCTs. TT reduced cardiovascular mortality by 48% vs. LAMA/LABA (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.86, 3 RCTs, I2=0%) and by a non-significant 11% vs. LABA/ICS (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.57-1.37, 3 RCTs, I2=0%). TT reduced all-cause mortality by 34% vs. LAMA/LABA (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48-0.90, 4 RCTs, I2=23.7%) and by 10% vs. LABA/ICS (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.71-1.13, 4 RCTs, I2=0%). For both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, NMA P-score showed that TT ranked first (81%/91%), LABA/ICS ranked second (58%/57%) and LAMA/LABA ranked last (11%/<1%) in effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with moderate to very severe COPD and previous exacerbations, TT inhaled significantly reduces cardiovascular and all-cause mortality compared to LAMA/LABA dual therapy, but not when compared to LABA/ICS.

Access to single-inhaler triple medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China: a national survey on accessibility and utilisation

Background

The maintenance medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) and long-acting β2-agonists (LABA). Budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol (BUD/GLY/FOR) and fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) are two representative drugs for prefixed ICS/LAMA/LABA association in a single inhaler and have shown comparable efficacy and safety with other ICS/LAMA/LABA open combination therapies in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD. This study aimed to investigate the availability, price, affordability, and utilisation of single-inhaler triple medicines for COPD in China.

Methods

Quarterly data about the use of BUD/GLY/FOR and FF/UMEC/VI from 2020 to 2022 were collected from the Chinese Medicine Economic Information Network. We used the adjusted World Health Organization and Health Action International methodology to calculate the availability and affordability of the two investigated medicines in 596 tertiary general hospitals and 299 secondary general hospitals in 31 provincial administrative regions in China.

Results

The availability and consumption of BUD/GLY/FOR were significantly higher than those of FF/UMEC/VI during the study period. At the end of 2022, the availability of BUD/GLY/FOR and FF/UMEC/VI in tertiary general hospitals was 69.80% and 52.01% respectively, while in secondary general hospitals, it was 52.51% and 28.76% respectively. Both medications were equally affordable at 1.3 days of the minimum wage after reimbursement in 2022. In the first quarter of 2021, with the inclusion of both drugs in the Medicare catalog, their DDDc decreased significantly, which was accompanied by notable improvements in their availability, affordability and consumption.

Conclusions

The overall accessibility and consumption of BUD/GLY/FOR and FF/UMEC/VI were improved in China from 2020 to 2022. The implementation of the national drug price negotiation policy reduces the cost of drugs in China and plays an important role in improving the availability of the investigated drugs.

Delaying disease progression in COPD with early escalation to triple therapy: a modelling study (DEPICT-2)

Introduction

In patients with COPD, dual bronchodilator (long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/long-acting β2-agonist (LABA)) and triple therapy (inhaled corticosteroid/LAMA/LABA) reduce the risk of exacerbations and lung function decline in the short-mid-term, but their long-term impact is unknown. This modelling study explores long-term impact of these therapies on lung function decline, quality of life (QoL) and all-cause mortality.

Methods

This modelling approach used a longitudinal nonparametric superposition model using published data regarding exacerbations, QoL (assessed by St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)) and mortality. The model simulated disease progression from 40 to 75 years of age and assessed the impact of initiating dual bronchodilator at age 45 years ("LAMA/LABA only" group) and escalation to triple therapy at age 50 years ("Escalation to triple" group) on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) decline, QoL and mortality.

Results

Model simulation predicted that by 75 years of age, "LAMA/LABA only" preserves 159.1 mL of FEV1 versus no treatment, while "Escalation to triple" preserves an additional 376.5 mL and 217.3 mL of FEV1 versus no pharmacotherapy and "LAMA/LABA only", respectively. In "LAMA/LABA only", the SGRQ score reduces (-3.2) versus no treatment, which further reduces to -7.5 in "Escalation to triple". In "LAMA/LABA only", mortality reduces by 5.4% by 75 years versus no treatment, while the "Escalation to triple" shows further decrease in mortality by 12.0%.

Conclusion

Early pharmacotherapy initiation and escalation from dual bronchodilator to triple therapy could slow disease progression by preserving lung function and improving QoL and survival in patients with COPD.

Two for the price of one: GLP-1 analogues, a new approach in treating severe COPD patients with diabetes

Multimorbid severe COPD patients need to be treated with a complementary systemic approach. In this way, the patient, not only the airway disease, will be treated comprehensively, as two effects (metabolic and pulmonary) are better than one. https://bit.ly/3PHoygt.

Goals of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management: a focused review for clinicians

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses heterogeneous pathophysiological mechanisms which can shape an individual patient's experience. This paper reviews available therapeutic options for the clinician intending to individualize care toward patient goals.

RECENT FINDINGS

The contemporary targeted interventions for COPD include the novel phosphodiesterase inhibitor ensifentrine, the interleukin-4 receptor (IL4R alpha subunit) antibody dupilumab, augmentation therapy for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Other interventions promoting physical and mental well being include re-envisioned pulmonary rehabilitation, self-management, targeting of comorbidities such as sarcopenia, and virtual health coaching interventions to expand patient access. Opioids did not relieve dyspnea and did not change total step count.

SUMMARY

Advances in precision therapy are complemented by the discovery of novel pathophysiology pathways and behavioral and rehabilitation interventions as a holistic view of COPD management emerges. The management of COPD continues to evolve with new tools including precision medicine and individualized care. Comorbidities remain important determinants of health, yet their prevalence and impact are underestimated.

Molecular Approaches to Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Current Perspectives and Future Directions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a clinical syndrome that presents as airflow limitation with poor reversibility accompanied by dynamic hyperinflation of the lung. It is a complex disease with chronic inflammatory airway changes caused by exposure to noxious particles or gases, such as cigarette smoke. The disease involves persistent inflammation and oxidative stress, perpetuated by frequent exacerbations. The prevalence of COPD is on the rise, with the prediction that it will be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality over the next decade. Despite the global burden of COPD and its associated morbidity and mortality, treatment remains limited. Although the understanding of the pathogenesis of COPD has increased over the last two decades, molecular approaches to develop new therapies for the treatment of COPD have lagged. Here, we review the molecular approaches that have the potential for developing novel therapies for COPD.

Inhaled corticosteroids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis on mortality protection - making a long story short

INTRODUCTION

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, primarily due to persistent airflow limitation from tobacco and biomass smoke exposure. While inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) combined with long-acting bronchodilators, namely long-acting β2-adrenoreceptor agonists (LABA) and long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), are recommended for symptom control and exacerbation reduction, their effect on mortality remains uncertain. Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest potential mortality benefits with triple ICS/LABA/LAMA therapy, though findings are not definitive.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate the impact of ICS-containing therapies on all-cause mortality in COPD. Searches were performed across ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS, focusing on RCTs measuring mortality as an efficacy outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 42,784 COPD patients from five high-quality studies were included. Pairwise meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality with ICS-containing therapies (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68-0.95), particularly with ICS/LABA and ICS/LABA/LAMA combinations. The NMA ranked ICS/LABA/LAMA as the most effective treatment (SUCRA 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides compelling evidence that ICS-containing therapies, particularly triple therapy, significantly reduce all-cause mortality in COPD patients. Future research should identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit while minimizing adverse effects.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42024607568.

Effect of Triple Therapy on Cardiovascular and Severe Cardiopulmonary Events in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase 3 Clinical Trial (ETHOS)

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary events. In the phase III, 52-week ETHOS trial (NCT02465567), triple therapy with budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (BGF) reduced rates of moderate/severe exacerbations and all-cause mortality compared with dual therapy with glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate (GFF) or budesonide/formoterol fumarate (BFF). However, the effect of BGF on cardiovascular events versus GFF remains unevaluated. Furthermore, the effect of BGF on time to first severe exacerbation has not been reported. Objectives: To assess the effects of BGF 320/18/9.6 μg (BGF 320) and other inhaled corticosteroid-containing arms on cardiovascular and severe cardiopulmonary endpoints versus GFF in patients with COPD from the ETHOS trial. Methods: Patients with moderate to very severe COPD and a history of exacerbations were randomized to twice-daily BGF 320, BGF 160/18/9.6 μg, BFF 320/9.6 μg, or GFF 18/9.6 μg (GFF). Time to first severe COPD exacerbation was a prespecified endpoint; post hoc cardiovascular and severe cardiopulmonary endpoints included time to first major adverse cardiac event, time to first cardiovascular adverse event (AE) of special interest, time to first cardiac AE, and time to the composite endpoint of first severe cardiopulmonary event. Measurements and Main Results: BGF 320 reduced the rate of first occurrence (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]) of cardiovascular and severe cardiopulmonary events versus GFF, including for time to first cardiovascular adverse event of special interest (0.63 [0.48, 0.82]), cardiac AE (0.60 [0.48, 0.76]), and severe cardiopulmonary event (0.80 [0.67, 0.95]). Conclusions: BGF had a benefit on cardiovascular endpoints and severe cardiopulmonary events versus GFF in patients with moderate to very severe COPD.

Triple inhaled therapy of formoterol/glycopyrrolate/budesonide reduces the use of oral corticosteroids and antibiotics during COPD exacerbations in real-world conditions

INTRODUCTION

Triple inhaled therapy (TT) in one device has been shown in clinical trials to reduce exacerbations and in some cases mortality compared to dual inhaled therapy (DT) in one device in the population of moderate to very severe COPD patients and previous exacerbations. This evidence must be contrasted in real-world conditions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Non-intervention retrospective cohort study comparing the incidence of moderate and severe exacerbations in COPD patients treated with TT (formoterol, glycopyrrolate and budesonide, 5mcg/72mcg/320mcg, n=112) and DT (LAMA/LABA/ or LABA/inhaled glucocorticoid, n=107) for 26 weeks under clinical practice conditions. Moderate exacerbations were evaluated by the use of oral corticosteroids and/or courses of oral antibiotics and/or attendance at the emergency room (<24h) without hospitalization. Severe exacerbations were analyzed for hospitalizations for all causes, respiratory causes, cardiovascular causes, and pneumonia. Descriptive statistics for qualitative and quantitative variables, Chi square, Student's t-test and multivariate analysis were performed.

RESULTS

Both cohorts were homogeneous except for age (71.46 vs 66.65 TT vs DT, p<0.01). TT reduced the use of oral corticosteroids by 42% (HR 0.58; 95%CI 0.41-0.82, p<0.01) and the use of antibiotics by 25% (HR 0.75; 95%CI 0.60-0.94, p<0.01). Hospitalizations due to respiratory causes were 11% lower in the TT cohort (HR 0.89; 95%CI 0.79-0.99, p=0.044) with no difference in the incidence of pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Triple inhaled therapy in one device reduces the use of oral corticosteroids and antibiotics during COPD period of exacerbations and reduces respiratory hospitalizations without increasing the incidence of pneumonia in comparision with dual inhaled therapy.

Inhaled corticosteroids and major cardiovascular events in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Whether inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is debated.

OBJECTIVES

To establish, within people with COPD, (1) whether ICS reduced MACE rates (acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heart failure (HF), ischaemic strokes or cardiovascular-specific death) compared with long-acting bronchodilators; and (2) whether drug class, incident usership or patient cardiovascular history influenced the ICS-MACE relationship.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study including patients with COPD in England, using Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum data, linked with Hospital Episode Statistics and Office of National Statistics death data, between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019. We implemented Cox proportional hazard regressions, adjusting for time interactions or using propensity score-adjusted models, as necessary. Our exposures included prescriptions of any ICS (vs any long-acting bronchodilators) and triple therapy (vs combination long-acting bronchodilators), determined during the year prior to follow-up. The outcomes of interest were MACE collectively and individual MACE subtypes.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Among 113 353 people with COPD (mean age 67.9 years old, 53.3% male), ICS prescription was not associated with MACE (adjusted HR (95% CI)=0.98 (0.95, 1.02), p=0.41) but was associated with reduced HF, specifically, until year 6 of follow-up (average adjusted HR (95% CI)=0.91 (0.86, 0.96), p<0.001). HF reduction was driven by the ICS group containing mometasone furoate, beclomethasone, budesonide or ciclesonide (HR (95% CI)=0.89 (0.84, 0.94), p<0.001). Incident ICS use was associated with increased ACS (HR (95% CI)=1.27 (1.09, 1.47), p<0.001) but was not sustained beyond incident use. There was no association between triple therapy and MACE. Results did not differ by cardiovascular history.

CONCLUSIONS

ICS did not reduce MACE, except HF, likely by reducing misclassified COPD exacerbations.

Nebulized Lipid Nanoparticles Based on Degradable Ionizable Glycerolipid for Potent Pulmonary mRNA Delivery

As an advanced nucleic acid therapeutical modality, mRNA can express any type of protein in principle and thus holds great potential to prevent and treat various diseases. Despite the success in COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, direct local delivery of mRNA into the lung by inhalation would greatly reinforce the treatment of pulmonary pathogens and diseases. Herein, we developed lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) from degradable ionizable glycerolipids for potent pulmonary mRNA delivery via nebulization. A panel of proprietary ionizable glycerolipids with branched tails and five ester bonds were developed through a three-step esterification reaction, and LNPs formed from a lead glycerolipid identified as TG4C enabled highly efficient in vivo mRNA delivery via systemic administration with around 6-fold higher luciferase protein expression than commercial LNPs from SM102 and Dlin-MC3-DMA (MC3). Formulation screening revealed that LNPs formed at a TG4C:DOPE:cholesterol:DMG-PEG molar ratio of 50:10:38.5:1.5 (TG4C-LNPs4) had high stability against nebulization with slight changes of size distribution and mRNA encapsulation efficiency, and the nebulized TG4C-LNPs4 afforded an equivalent percentage of positive cells and a slightly lower EGFP fluorescence intensity in lung cell lines (A549, BEAS-2B). Following pulmonary delivery in mice, TG4C-LNPs4 induced efficient transfection in the majority of epithelial cells in the lung, leading to apparent bioluminescence evenly distributed in all five lung lobes. In an elastase-induced emphysema model in mice, TG4C-LNPs4 loaded with mRNA encoding hepatocyte growth factor could significantly suppress the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and counteract the alveoli wall thinning. Notably, partial substitution (25%) of cholesterol with budesonide, an anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid, in TG4C-LNPs4 generated equivalent protein expression and significantly improved therapeutic efficacy. Taken together, our study provides robust and high-performing nanovehicles based on degradable ionizable glycerolipids, enabling potently local mRNA delivery to the lung for the treatment of pulmonary diseases.

Prognostic impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on short-term and long-term outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition that complicates major surgeries like coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to evaluate the impact of COPD on the outcome of CABG. A registry-based retrospective cohort study included individuals who received CABG between 2009 and 2016. Data were collected on patient demographics, intraoperative factors, and postoperative outcomes. Cox proportional hazard with inverse probability weighting (IPW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were conducted to assess the adjusted effect of COPD on 30-day and long-term mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Moreover, the impact of COPD in smokers and non-smokers on short/long-term outcomes was assessed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using multiple imputations. In the present investigation, 17,315 patients including 629 with COPD (mean age 69 ± 9.74), were followed up for a median duration of 8.25 years. Although COPD did not increase 30-day mortality and MACCE risk, the models showed that patients with COPD are at a significantly higher risk of long-term mortality and MACCE after CABG (IPW: HR for mortality: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.31-1.79; HR for MACCE: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12-1.47). After multiple imputations, the mortality and MACCE hazard ratio in IPW analysis remained statistically significant. COPD significantly increases long-term mortality and MACCE following CABG, independent of smoking status.

High-risk adverse events in two types of single inhaler triple-therapy: a pharmacovigilance study based on the FAERS database

Objective

Single inhaler triple therapy is widely used in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. This research aimed to analyze adverse events (AEs) associated with Budesonide/Glycopyrronium/Formoterol Fumarate (BUD/GLY/FOR) and Fluticasone Furoate/Umeclidinium/Vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. BUD/GLY/FOR (2020Q3-2024Q3) and FF/UMEC/VI (2018Q1-2024Q3) report files were downloaded from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. We use reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) for disproportionality analysis. The aim was to explore associations between drugs and preferred term (PT) and system organ classification (SOC) levels. We focused on exploring the top 10 PTs of each drug's BCPNN (IC) effect value and the PT of pneumonia.

Results

16,355 AEs in BUD/GLY/FOR and 39,110 AEs in FF/UMEC/VI were extracted. Device use issues, oropharyngeal and vocal problems, pneumonia, candida infections, and urinary retention were the standard PTs present in drug leaflets. The risk of device use issues was higher in BUD/GLY/FOR, whereas the risk of pneumonia and candida infection in FF/UMEC/ VI had higher risk. Outside of the drug leaflets, both drugs were associated with a higher risk of AEs in vascular disorders. BUD/GLY/FOR group had a higher risk of AEs in body height decreased and hypoacusis. Notably, this study found an association between the above PTs and drugs, and the causal relationship needs to be verified by further longitudinal studies.

Conclusion

Our study provides a preliminary exploration of the safety of clinical use of BUD/GLY/FOR and FF/UMEC/VI, and clinicians should be alert to potential adverse effects.

Research Status and Direction of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Complicated with Coronary Heart Disease: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2005 to 2024

Objective

There is increasing evidence that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). In this study, we provide valuable insights in the field by examining the evolution of the relationship between COPD and CHD over the past 20 years.

Methods

A comprehensive computer search was conducted in the Web of Science (WOS) core dataset, covering literature on COPD combined with CHD from January 1, 2005, to August 20, 2024. Visual analyses were performed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix to assess countries, institutions, the centrality of institutional intermediaries, authorship patterns, including co-cited authors and references, and keywords; Excel (version 2021) software was utilized for generating relevant descriptive analysis tables.

Results

A total of 2420 publications sourced from WOS were included in this study. Since 2005, there has been a continuous increase in the literature about COPD combined with CHD; polynomial fitting yielded an R² value of 0.7758. The volume of literature in this domain is projected to continue growing steadily. The United States emerged as the leading country by publication count; Lin Cheng-li ranked first among authors, while China Medical University topped institutional contributions. Notably, Sin dd, Mannino dm, and Helvaci Mr were identified as the top three authors based on citation frequency. The Journal of Vascular Surgery recorded the highest number of publications, whereas The Lancet was recognized as the most influential among the top ten co-cited journals. The most frequently cited reference pertains to systemic inflammation's role in increasing cardiovascular risk among patients with COPD. Through keyword clustering analysis, we categorized all keywords into three distinct groups: management strategies for COPD and CHD; diseases associated with both conditions; and epidemiological characteristics concerning their burden-current hotspots include multimorbidity factors such as hypertension and obesity alongside outcomes like diagnosis during COVID-19 pandemic implications within societal contexts are highlighted here too.

Conclusion

Presently focused research on COPD coupled with CHD primarily revolves around five key areas: pathogenesis exploration, early diagnostic techniques, COVID-19 infection, dynamics intervention, methodologies, and treatment protocol development efforts. To improve the early detection rate of COPD complicated with CHD, the main development direction in the future is to extract computed tomography (CT) features using imaging omics and establish an early prediction model. The results of this study will provide new ideas and directions for subsequent related research.

Eosinophils in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung condition characterised by chronic respiratory symptoms, fixed airway obstruction and persistent inflammation that leads to a progressive airflow limitation. Although COPD has traditionally been linked to neutrophilic inflammation, recent studies have identified a subset of patients - approximately 20%-40% - with elevated eosinophil levels in blood and sputum. Emerging evidence suggests that eosinophilic inflammation has a pivotal role in a subset of COPD patients and may influence disease progression, exacerbation frequency and therapeutic responses. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of eosinophils in COPD with particular attention to their role as biomarkers in blood and sputum. We evaluate the prevalence of eosinophilic inflammation in COPD exanimating different thresholds used in blood and in sputum to define it. In addition, we focus on eosinophilic COPD phenotype as a treatable trait, emphasising recent evidence that supports the effectiveness of biological target therapy.

Effectiveness of an educational intervention on different types of errors -occurring during inhaler therapy use in COPD patients during a -Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

BACKGROUND

Inhaled drug therapy is an essential treatment in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients as it reduces symptoms, exacerbation rate and mortality risk. Errors in inhaler use can affect drug delivery to the lungs and minimize treatment benefits. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a nurse-lead educational intervention on inhaler use in a group of patients with COPD during a Respiratory Rehabilitation Program.

METHODS

COPD patients attending a Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit for a pulmonary rehabilitation program participated in the educational training program. The nurse-lead educational intervention included a specific checklist used to evaluate each patient's inhalation technique. Errors were scored and classified as device- dependent, device-independent and critical one. Patients completed a pre and post-intervention survey to compare pre and post nurse-lead educational intervention results.

RESULTS

One-hundred twenty-three COPD patients attending a Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit participated in the training program. A high frequency of total errors has been found at baseline (72.1%) whose critical errors represented 35%, irrespective of the severity of airway obstruction, the length of disease history and the educational level. The structured educational intervention resulted in changes on patients' attitudes and skills on inhaler use with a significant reduction in the frequency of all types of errors (P-value < 0.01), particularly total and critical errors (35% and 12.9%, respectively), but not completely eliminated them.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient training in the use of the inhaler and regular review of the patient's competence in using the devices by health care professionals remains a crucial aspect of effective inhalation therapy regardless of the disease trajectory. These interventions are feasible and may impact the ability to engage patients in the chronic care journey.

Is 'Cardiopulmonary' the New 'Cardiometabolic'? Making a Case for Systems Change in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have a syndemic relationship with shared risk factors and complex interplay between genetic, environmental, socioeconomic, and pathophysiological mechanisms. CVD is among the most common comorbidities in patients with COPD and vice versa. Patients with COPD, irrespective of their disease severity, are at increased risk of CVD morbidity and mortality, driven in part by COPD exacerbations. Despite these known interrelationships, CVD is underestimated and undertreated in patients with COPD. Similarly, COPD is an independent risk-enhancing factor for adverse cardiovascular (CV) events, yet it is not incorporated into current CV risk assessment tools, leading to under-recognition and undertreatment. There is a pressing need for systems change in COPD management to move beyond symptom control towards a comprehensive cardiopulmonary disease paradigm with proactive prevention of exacerbations and adverse cardiopulmonary outcomes and mortality. However, there is a dearth of evidence defining optimal cardiopulmonary care pathways. Fortunately, there is a precedent to support systems-level change in the field of diabetes, which evolved from glycemic control to comprehensive multi-organ risk assessment and management. Key elements included integrated multidisciplinary care, intensive risk factor management, coordination between primary and specialist care, care pathways and protocols, education and self management, and disease-modifying therapies. This commentary article draws parallels between the cardiometabolic and cardiopulmonary paradigms and makes a case for systems change towards multidisciplinary, integrated cardiopulmonary care, using the evolution in diabetes care as a potential framework.

Exacerbation History and Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Pulmonary Embolism in COPD

BACKGROUND

Acute exacerbations (AEs) of COPD are increasingly recognized as episodes of heightened risk of cardiovascular events. It is not known whether exacerbation history is differentially associated with future myocardial infarction (MI) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is the number and severity of AEs of COPD associated with increased risk of MI or PE in a real-life cohort of patients with COPD?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified a cohort of 66,422 patients (≥ 30 years of age) with a primary diagnosis of COPD in the Swedish National Airway Register from January 2014 to June 2022, with complete data on lung function. Patients were classified by moderate (prescription of oral corticosteroids) and severe (hospitalization) exacerbations the year before index date and were followed until December 2022 for hospitalization or death from MI or PE, corresponding to > 265,000 patient-years, with a maximum follow-up time of 9 years. Competing risk regression, according to the Fine-Gray model, was used to calculate subdistribution hazard ratios with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Compared with no AEs of COPD in the baseline period, AE of COPD number and severity were associated with increased long-term risk of both MI and PE in a gradual fashion, ranging from a subdistribution hazard ratio of 1.10 (95% CI, 0.97-1.24) and 1.33 (95% CI, 1.11-1.60), respectively, for one moderate exacerbation, to 1.82 (95% CI, 1.36-2.44) and 2.62 (95% CI, 1.77-3.89), respectively, for two or more severe exacerbations. In a time-restricted follow-up sensitivity analysis, the associations were stronger during the first year of follow-up and diminished over time.

INTERPRETATION

The risk of MI and PE increased with the frequency and severity of AEs of COPD in this large, real-life cohort of patients with COPD.

The relevance of eosinophils in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: inflammation, microbiome, and clinical outcomes

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is caused by the inhalation of noxious particles such as cigarette smoke. The pathophysiological features include airway inflammation, alveolar destruction, and poorly reversible airflow obstruction. A subgroup of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has higher blood eosinophil counts, associated with an increased response to inhaled corticosteroids and increased biomarkers of pulmonary type 2 inflammation. Emerging evidence shows that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with increased pulmonary eosinophil counts have an altered airway microbiome. Higher blood eosinophil counts are also associated with increased lung function decline, implicating type 2 inflammation in progressive pathophysiology in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We provide a narrative review of the role of eosinophils and type 2 inflammation in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, encompassing the lung microbiome, pharmacological targeting of type 2 pathways in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the clinical use of blood eosinophil count as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease biomarker.

Digital remote maintenance inhaler adherence interventions in COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Sub-optimal inhaler adherence undermines the efficacy of pharmacotherapy in COPD. Digitalised care pathways are increasingly used to improve inhaler-use behaviour remotely. This review investigated the feasibility and impact of remote electronic inhaler adherence monitoring (EIM) and intervention platforms on clinical outcomes in COPD.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted and studies investigating maintenance inhaler use among people with COPD using digital technology were selected. Pairwise and proportional meta-analyses were employed with heterogeneity assessed using I2 statistics. When meta-analysis was not feasible, a narrative synthesis of outcomes was conducted.

RESULTS

We included 10 studies including 1432 people with COPD whose maintenance inhaler usage was supported by digital inhalers and apps featuring audiovisual reminders and educational content with or without engagement with healthcare providers (HCPs). Inhaler adherence rate (AR) varied with calculation methods, but an overall suboptimal adherence was observed among people with COPD. HCP-led adherence interventions alongside EIM improved mean AR by 18% (95% CI 9-27) versus passive EIM only. Enhanced AR may reduce COPD-related healthcare utilisation with little impact on health-related quality of life and exacerbation rate. Despite encountering technical issues among 14% (95% CI 5-23%) of participants, 85% (95% CI 76-94%) found digital platforms convenient to use, while 91% (95% CI 79-100%) perceived inhaler reminders as helpful.

CONCLUSION

Digitalised interventions can enhance maintenance inhaler adherence in COPD but their overall effect on clinical outcomes remains uncertain. Further work is required to tailor interventions to individuals' adherence behaviour and investigate their longer-term impact.

Inhaled Corticosteroids Particle Size and Risk of Hospitalization Due to Exacerbations and All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A Nationwide Cohort Study

Background

Extra-fine particle inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) improve peripheral airway distribution, but their effect on risk of exacerbations and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear.

Methods

This observational cohort study compares patients with COPD who received extra-fine particle ICS to those who received standard particle size ICS from 2010 to 2017 while followed in outpatient clinics. The primary outcome was the time to a COPD exacerbation that required hospitalization, with all-cause mortality as a secondary outcome. Data were analyzed using an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model and a competing risk analysis. Two predefined subgroup analyses of patients treated with pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) and patients with a previous exacerbation history, was carried out. Lastly, we created a propensity score matched cohort as a sensitivity analysis.

Results

Of the 40,489 patients included, 38,802 (95.8%) received stand particle size ICS and 1,687 (4.2%) received extra-fine particle ICS. In total 7,058 were hospitalized with a COPD exacerbation, and 4,346 died. No significant protective effect of extra-fine particle ICS against hospitalization due to COPD exacerbations (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82-1.05, p=0.23) or all-cause mortality (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.85-1.17, p=0.99) was found when compared to standard particle size ICS. However, in the subgroup analysis of patients treated with pMDIs, extra-fine particle ICS was associated with reduction in risk of exacerbations (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.63-0.82, p<0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.61-0.86, p<0.001).

Conclusion

The administration of extra-fine particle ICS was not associated with reduced risk of exacerbations or all-cause mortality in our primary analysis. A subgroup consisting of patients treated with pMDIs suggested potential protective benefits.

Reducing the risk of death - a possible outcome in COPD patients

INTRODUCTION

COPD is a leading cause of global mortality, particularly under-recognized and under-diagnosed. In 2020, it was the sixth leading cause of death in the US and has contributed to 4.72% of all-cause mortality (ACM) according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Factors influencing COPD-related mortality include smoking, aging populations, comorbidities, sarcopenia, physical capacity, and lack of effective treatments.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses various factors influencing COPD-related mortality and analyzes observational studies and pivotal RCTs evaluating the impact of different therapies on ACM.

EXPERT OPINION

COPD significantly impacts ACM, necessitating effective management strategies. Smoking cessation is crucial in reducing mortality risk. Exacerbation management and comorbidity treatment are essential to improve patient outcomes. Various therapeutic interventions, such as smoking cessation, vaccination, long-term oxygen therapy, and lung volume reduction surgery, have shown benefits in reducing mortality. Pharmacotherapies might reduce the risk of mortality, although the current scientific evidences remain inconclusive. Advances in pharmacological interventions, tailored treatment plans, and physical activity programs are vital. More robust and long-term studies, focusing on real-world data and addressing biases in treatment allocation, are needed to conclusively determine the efficacy of different therapies in reducing ACM in COPD patients.

An Italian Delphi Consensus on the Triple inhalation Therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

The management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lacks standardization due to the diverse clinical presentation, comorbidities, and limited acceptance of recommended approaches by physicians. To address this, a multicenter study was conducted among Italian respiratory physicians to assess consensus on COPD management and pharmacological treatment.

METHODS

The study employed the Delphi process using the Estimate-Talk-Estimate method, involving a scientific board and expert panel. During a 6-month period, the scientific board conducted the first Delphi round and identified 11 broad areas of COPD management to be evaluated while the second Delphi round translated all 11 items into statements. The statements were subsequently presented to the expert panel for independent rating on a nine-point scale. Consensus was considered achieved if the median score was 7 or higher. Consistently high levels of consensus were observed in the first rating, allowing the scientific board to finalize the statements without requiring further rounds.

RESULTS

Topics generating substantial discussion included the pre-COPD phase, patient-reported outcomes, direct escalation from a single bronchodilator to triple therapy, and the role of adverse events, particularly pneumonia, in guiding triple therapy prescriptions. Notably, these topics exhibited higher standard deviations, indicating greater variation in expert opinions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study emphasized the significance that Italian pulmonologists attribute to managing mortality, tailoring treatments, and addressing cardiovascular comorbidities in COPD patients. While unanimous consensus was not achieved for all statements, the results provide valuable insights to inform clinical decision-making among physicians and contribute to a better understanding of COPD management practices in Italy.

Breaking down barriers to COPD management in primary care: applying the updated 2023 Canadian Thoracic Society guideline for pharmacotherapy

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent yet under-recognized and sub-optimally managed disease that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Primary care providers (PCPs) are at the frontlines of COPD management, and they play a critical role across the full spectrum of the COPD patient journey from initial recognition and diagnosis to treatment optimization and referral to specialty care. The Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) recently updated their guideline on pharmacotherapy in patients with stable COPD, and there are several key changes that have a direct impact on COPD management in the primary care setting. Notably, it is the first guideline to formally make recommendations on mortality reduction in COPD, which elevates this disease to the same league as other chronic diseases that are commonly managed in primary care and where optimized pharmacotherapy can reduce all-cause mortality. It also recommends earlier and more aggressive initial maintenance inhaler therapy across all severities of COPD, and preferentially favors the use of single inhaler therapies over multiple inhaler regimens. This review summarizes some of the key guideline changes and offers practical tips on how to implement the new recommendations in primary care. It also addresses other barriers to optimal COPD management in the primary care setting that are not addressed by the guideline update and suggests strategies on how they could be overcome.

Atherosclerotic Coronary Plaque Features in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Acute Coronary Syndrome

Previous studies reported a robust relation between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Systemic inflammation has been proposed as possible pathogenetic mechanism linking these 2 entities, although data on atherosclerotic coronary features in COPD patients are lacking. We studied atherosclerotic coronary plaque features in COPD patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). ACS patients who underwent intracoronary OCT imaging of the culprit vessel were enrolled. Coronary plaque characteristics and OCT-defined macrophage infiltration (MØI) were assessed by OCT. ACS patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of an established diagnosis of COPD, and plaque features at the culprit site and along the culprit vessel were compared between the groups. Of 146 ACS patients (mean age:66.1 ± 12.7 years, 109 men), 47 (32.2%) had COPD. Patients with COPD had significantly higher prevalence of MØI (78.7% vs 54.5%, p = 0.005) and thin cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (48.9% vs 22.2%, p = 0.001) at the culprit site. In the multivariate logistic regression, COPD was independently associated with MØI (odds ratio [OR] 21.209, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.679 to 267.910, p = 0.018) and TCFA at the culprit site (OR 5.345, 95% CI 1.386 to 20.616, p = 0.015). Similarly, COPD was independently associated with both MØI (OR 3.570, 95% CI 1.472 to 8.658, p = 0.005) and TCFA (OR 4.088, 95% CI 1.584 to 10.554, p = 0.004) along the culprit vessel. In conclusion, in ACS patients who underwent OCT imaging of the culprit vessel, COPD was an independent predictor of plaque inflammation and vulnerability. These results may suggest that a higher inflammatory milieu in COPD patients might enhance local coronary inflammation, promoting CAD development and plaque vulnerability.

Implications of Cardiopulmonary Risk for the Management of COPD: A Narrative Review

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) constitutes a major global health burden and is the third leading cause of death worldwide. A high proportion of patients with COPD have cardiovascular disease, but there is also evidence that COPD is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in cardiovascular disease. Patients with COPD frequently die of respiratory and cardiovascular causes, yet the identification and management of cardiopulmonary risk remain suboptimal owing to limited awareness and clinical intervention. Acute exacerbations punctuate the progression of COPD in many patients, reducing lung function and increasing the risk of subsequent exacerbations and cardiovascular events that may lead to early death. This narrative review defines and summarises the principles of COPD-associated cardiopulmonary risk, and examines respiratory interventions currently available to modify this risk, as well as providing expert opinion on future approaches to addressing cardiopulmonary risk.

Mortality of patients with COPD

INTRODUCTION

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most common cause of death worldwide and 24% of the patients die within 5 years of diagnosis.

AREAS COVERED

The epidemiology of mortality and the interventions that reduce it are reviewed. The increasing global deaths reflect increases in population sizes, increasing life expectancy and reductions in other causes of death. Strategies to reduce mortality aim to prevent the development of COPD and improve the survival of individuals. Historic changes in mortality give insights: improvements in living conditions and nutrition, and later improvements in air quality led to a large fall in mortality in the early 20th century. The smoking epidemic temporarily reversed this trend.Older age, worse lung function and exacerbations are risk factors for death. Single inhaler triple therapy; smoking cessation; pulmonary rehabilitation; oxygen therapy; noninvasive ventilation; and surgery reduce mortality in selected patients.

EXPERT OPINION

The importance of addressing the global burden of mortality from COPD must be recognized. Steps must be taken to reduce it, by reducing exposure to risk factors, assessing individual patients' risk of death and using treatments that reduce the risk of death. Mortality rates are falling in countries that have adopted a comprehensive approach to COPD prevention and treatment.

Budesonide/Glycopyrrolate/Formoterol for the Management of COPD in a UK Primary Care Population: Real-World Use and Early Medication Success

Purpose

Real-life research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of budesonide/glycopyrrolate/formoterol (BGF) in routine COPD primary care management. We assessed the frequency of medication success among patients with COPD who initiated BGF using real-world data.

Patients and Methods

Patients with a recorded diagnostic COPD code who started BGF with ≥2 prescriptions within 90-days were identified in the UK Optimum Patient Care Research Database and followed from first prescription until censoring at the end of follow-up (180-days), death, leaving database or end of data at 24/10/2022. The primary outcome was medication success at 90-days post-BGF initiation, defined as no major cardiac or respiratory event (ie no complicated COPD exacerbation, hospitalization for any respiratory event, myocardial infarction, new/hospitalized heart failure, and death) and no incidence of pneumonia. Medication success was also assessed at 180-days post-BGF initiation. Overall real-life medication success was claimed if the lower 95% confidence interval (CI) for the proportion of patients meeting the primary outcome was ≥70% (defined a priori).

Results

Two hundred eighty-five patients were included. Prior to BGF initiation, these patients often had severe airflow obstruction (mean ppFEV1: 54.5%), were highly symptomatic (mMRC ≥2: 77.9% (n = 205/263); mean CAT score: 21.7 (SD 7.8)), with evidence of short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) over-use (≥3 inhalers/year: 62.1%, n=179/285), repeat OCS prescriptions (≥2 courses/year: 33.0%, n = 95/285) and multiple primary care consultations (≥2 visits/year: 61.1%, n = 174/285). Overall, 39.6% of patients (n = 113/285) switched from previous triple therapies. Real-life medication success was achieved by 96.5% of patients (n = 275/285 [95% CI: 93.6, 98.3]) during 90-days treatment with BGF and by 91.8% (n = 169/184 [95% CI: 86.9, 95.4]) of patients at 180-days. The prescribed daily dose of SABA remained stable over the study period.

Conclusion

The majority of patients initiating BGF experienced real-life medication success reflecting the absence of severe cardiopulmonary events. These benefits were apparent after 90-days of treatment and sustained over 180-days.