Publication: Clinical response to withdrawal of Inhaled Corticosteroids in stable mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a tertiary hospital of central Nepal
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepalese Respiratory Society
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: The mainstay treatment according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 guidelines for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is combination of long acting bronchodilators with addition of inhaled corticosteroids only in patients with increased exacerbations and an eosinophil count of ≥ 300 cells/μL. Despite the recommendations, inhaled corticosteroids are most commonly overprescribed. So, this study aims to follow patients with mild to moderate cases of this disease who are currently on inhaled corticosteroids combination therapy for clinical efficacy after its withdrawal.
Methods: The study was a prospective interventional study conducted at Dhulikhel Hospital that followed individuals with mild to moderate COPD for eight weeks after a sudden ICS withdrawal. Forced Expiratory Volume in first second, modified Medical Research Council grading, COPD Assessment Tool score and number of exacerbations were assessed with follow-up either by telephone or face to face.
Results: Total of 33 patients were enrolled in the study with mean age 68.9 years and standard deviation 9.3 years. Paired t-test analysis showed no significant mean difference in Forced Expiratory Volume in first second and COPD Assessment Tool values before and eight weeks after the withdrawal of Inhaled Corticosteroids.
Conclusions: Our study supported the conclusion of previous larger studies that withdrawing ICS in stable mild to moderate COPD patients makes no difference in clinical symptoms and spirometry.
Description
Nirish Vaidya
Department of Internal Medicine, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal
Satya Shrestha
Nursing and Midwifery Program, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal
Shreesuna Katila
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
Samyog Adhikari
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal
Pramesh Koju
Department of Public Health and Community Programs, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel, Nepal
Keywords
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Inhaled Corticosteroid