Are there specific clinical characteristics associated with physician's treatment choices in COPD?

Respir Res. 2019 Aug 20;20(1):189. doi: 10.1186/s12931-019-1156-1.

Abstract

Background: The number of pharmacological agents and guidelines available for COPD has increased markedly but guidelines remain poorly followed. Understanding underlying clinical reasoning is challenging and could be informed by clinical characteristics associated with treatment prescriptions.

Methods: To determine whether COPD treatment choices by respiratory physicians correspond to specific patients' features, this study was performed in 1171 patients who had complete treatment and clinical characterisation data. Multiple statistical models were applied to explain five treatment categories: A: no COPD treatment or short-acting bronchodilator(s) only; B: one long-acting bronchodilator (beta2 agonist, LABA or anticholinergic agent, LAMA); C: LABA+LAMA; D: a LABA or LAMA + inhaled corticosteroid (ICS); E: triple therapy (LABA+LAMA+ICS).

Results: Mean FEV1 was 60% predicted. Triple therapy was prescribed to 32.9% (treatment category E) of patients and 29.8% received a combination of two treatments (treatment categories C or D); ICS-containing regimen were present for 44% of patients altogether. Single or dual bronchodilation were less frequently used (treatment categories B and C: 19% each). While lung function was associated with all treatment decisions, exacerbation history, scores of clinical impact and gender were associated with the prescription of > 1 maintenance treatment. Statistical models could predict treatment decisions with a < 35% error rate.

Conclusion: In COPD, contrary to what has been previously reported in some studies, treatment choices by respiratory physicians appear rather rational since they can be largely explained by the patients' characteristics proposed to guide them in most recommendations.

Keywords: COPD; Clinical impact; Exacerbations; Treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Aged
  • Bronchodilator Agents / administration & dosage
  • Bronchodilator Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Cohort Studies
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Muscarinic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Patient Selection
  • Physicians
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diagnosis*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / drug therapy*
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Muscarinic Antagonists