Improving Physical Function in Patients with COPD in Routine Clinical Practice
The increase in exercise capacity with the use of a fixed-dose combination of tiotropium and olodaterol in the Respimat inhaler has already been demonstrated in clinical studies in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Italian authors evaluated its benefits in real-world practice and also focused on patient satisfaction with the inhaler.
Study Procedure and Monitored Parameters
This was an open observational study conducted at 29 centers across Italy. It included 309 patients with COPD who used tiotropium/olodaterol for 6 weeks. Physical functions were assessed using the PF-10 (Physical Functioning Questionnaire).
The primary monitored 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 doctor – PGE (Physician’s Global Evaluation) score, and patient satisfaction with treatment, inhalation, and handling of the Respimat inhaler.
Results
The majority of patients fell into category B (44.4%) and D (24.5%) according to GOLD criteria (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), indicating a high occurrence of symptoms. Nearly 3/4 of the patients had comorbid conditions.
The primary monitored parameter was achieved in 52.2% of patients, particularly in categories B and D according to GOLD. Patient satisfaction with treatment, inhalation, and handling of the inhaler was high to very high, ranging between 86–89% for both category B and D patients. The occurrence of treatment-related adverse events was very low.
Conclusion
“This real-world practice study demonstrated that treatment with a fixed-dose combination of tiotropium/olodaterol administered via the Respimat inhaler improves physical functions and the overall status of patients, and is associated with a high degree of satisfaction and a very low incidence of therapy-related adverse events regardless of the category to which the patients belong 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].
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