Improvement of Physical Functions in Patients with COPD in Routine Clinical Practice Using the Fixed Combination of Tiotropium/Olodaterol

Study Course and Observed Parameters

This was an open observational study conducted at 29 sites throughout Italy. It included 309 patients with COPD who used tiotropium/olodaterol for 6 weeks. Physical functions were assessed using the PF-10 questionnaire (Physical Functioning Questionnaire).

The primary observed parameter was the number of patients who achieved a therapeutic benefit defined as at least a 10-point improvement in the PF-10 score. Secondary parameters included the absolute change in the PF-10 score, the overall health status of the patient as assessed by the physician – PGE score (Physician’s Global Evaluation) and patient satisfaction with treatment, inhalation, and handling of the Respimat inhaler.

Results

The majority of patients fell into categories B (44.4%) and D (24.5%) according to GOLD criteria (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), i.e., with a high incidence of symptoms. Nearly 3/4 of the patients had comorbid conditions.

The primary observed parameter was achieved in 52.2% of patients, especially from categories B and D according to GOLD. Patient satisfaction with treatment, inhalation, and handling of the inhaler was high to very high, ranging from 86–89%, both in category B and in category D patients. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was very low.

Conclusion

“This real-world study demonstrated that treatment with the fixed combination of tiotropium/olodaterol administered via the Respimat inhaler improves physical functions and overall health status of patients, is associated with high satisfaction, and has a very low incidence of therapy-related adverse events regardless of the category of patients and their comorbidities,” the authors conclude.

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Source: Carone M., Pennisi A., D'Amato M. et al. Physical functioning in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated with tiotropium/olodaterol Respimat in routine clinical practice in Italy. Pulm Ther 2020 Jun 18, doi: 10.1007/s41030-020-00122-9 [Epub ahead of print].