NPS is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines NPS is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
June 2006
June 2006
Results
Results
Case study 42:
Case study 42:
Managing COPD
Managing COPD
exacerbations
exacerbations
Inside
Inside
Case study 42: Managing COPD
Case study 42: Managing COPD
exacerbations
exacerbations
Scenario
Scenario
and
and
questions
questions
page
page
3
3
Summary of results
Summary of results
page 5
page 5
Results in detail
Results in detail
page 6
page 6
Commentaries
Commentaries
Dr
Dr
Julia
Julia
Walters
Walters
page
page
14
14
Associate
Associate
Professor
Professor
Christine
Christine
McDonald
McDonald
page
page
16
16
Appendix
Appendix
page 18
page 18
References
Case study 42
Managing COPD exacerbations
Scenario
Cedric, a 50-year-old man, was diagnosed with COPD 5 years ago. He presents with worsening dyspnoea, cough and increasing purulent sputum production over the past 3 days. On examination, BP is 130/84 mmHg, pulse 102, respiratory rate 18 and temperature 37.8 ºC. Auscultation of the chest reveals widespread expiratory wheeze and inspiratory coarse crackles in the left lung base. He is dyspnoeic but able to speak in whole sentences. No cyanosis is present.
Last spirometry results (8 months ago, after his last COPD exacerbation) were: post-bronchodilator FEV155% predicted and FEV1/FVC ratio 65%. Cedric previously smoked 25 cigarettes per day (for 30 years) but cut down to 10 cigarettes per day after his first COPD exacerbation 2 years ago. He has attempted to quit smoking on several occasions without any success.
Cedric’s regular medications for COPD are tiotropium (Spiriva) 18 micrograms once daily and salbutamol (Airomir, Asmol, Ventolin) metered-dose inhaler 200 micrograms every 4–6 hours when required. He is also taking indapamide (Dapa-Tabs, Natrilix) 2.5 mg and atorvastatin (Lipitor) 10 mg (both in the morning) for hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia, respectively. He has no other medical conditions, and has no known allergies.
1. What drug therapy would you use for the exacerbation?
tiotropium Cease
Continue without change
Change to: o Dose o o Route o o Frequency o
__________________________________________________________________________
salbutamol Cease
Continue without change
Change to: o Dose o o Route o o Frequency o
________________________________________________________________________
any other medications for this exacerbation: (please specify)
ooooooDrugoooooo o Dose o o Route o o Frequency o o Duration o i. _________________________________________________________________________________ ii. _________________________________________________________________________________ iii. ______________________________________________________________ ___________________ iv. _________________________________________________________________________________
Please give reasons why you did OR did not prescribe an antibiotic:
___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
2. What would you prescribe for stable COPD management after this exacerbation?
ooooooDrugoooooo o Dose o o Route o o Frequency o o Duration o i. __________________________________________________________________________________ ii. __________________________________________________________________________________ iii. _________________________________________________________________________________ iv. _________________________________________________________________________________
3. What else (if anything) would you include in the management plan?
During this exacerbation: ______________________________________________________________ In stable disease: _____________________________________________________________________
4. What strategies would you implement to help him quit smoking?
i. __________________________________________________________________________________ ii. __________________________________________________________________________________ iii. _________________________________________________________________________________
Summary of results
At the time of publication, 1219 responses had been received from doctors and other health professionals. Responses from 200* general practitioners have been compiled for feedback.
Case synopsis
A patient with COPD presents with worsening dyspnoea, cough and increasing purulent sputum production over the past 3 days. His current medications for COPD are tiotropium and salbutamol. (See page 3 for more details.)
Drug therapy
Acute exacerbation
• 98.5% of participants would continue tiotropium.
• 98.5% would continue salbutamol but 71.5% would change the method of delivery from
metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to MDI with spacer or nebuliser, and/or increase the dosage.
• 80% would prescribe an oral steroid, most commonly prednisolone or prednisone 50 mg daily for 1–2
weeks.
• 98% would prescribe one or more antibiotics, mostly amoxycillin (69.9%) or doxycyline (14.8%), and
usually for 1–2 weeks. Stable disease (n = 121)
• 98.3% and 70.2% would continue prescribing tiotropium and salbutamol, respectively.
• 46.3% would add a long-acting beta2 agonist, either as a single product (15.7%) or in combination
with an inhaled corticosteroid (30.6%). When prescribed as a single-ingredient product, about half would review the medication after 4–8 weeks, but when prescribed as a combination product, most would continue it indefinitely.
• 50.4% added an inhaled corticosteroid, either as a single product (19.8%) or in combination with a
long-acting beta2 agonist (30.6%). When prescribed as a single-ingredient product, most would review
the medication after 4–8 weeks, but when prescribed as a combination product, most would continue it indefinitely.
Other aspects in management of COPD
Acute exacerbation
• Other management included advice to stop smoking (49.7%), physiotherapy (18.8%), return for
follow-up (14.4%) and considering other drug therapy (14.3%). Stable disease
• Other management included advice and assistance with smoking cessation (61.1%), reassessing lung
function (16.7%), reviewing and optimising therapy (14.4%), respiratory rehabilitation (13.3%) and ensuring currency of vaccinations (12.8%).
Strategies for smoking cessation
• Non-pharmacological strategies include brief counselling and/or encouragement (56.8%); referral to
Quitline (44.7%); and support, follow-up and/or review (30.7%).
• Pharmacological strategies included consideration of nicotine replacement therapy (52.3%) and/or
bupropion (34.1%), or a general discussion about available therapies (24.1%).
Results in detail
Drug therapy for COPD exacerbation
Bronchodilator
• 98.5% of participants would continue tiotropium.
• 2% would also prescribe ipratropium — in one case, instead of tiotropium.
• 98.5% would continue salbutamol but 71.5% would change the method of delivery (originally MDI) and/or increase the dosage (originally 200 micrograms every 4–6 hours when required):
— 34% recommended using the MDI via a spacer, 9% with a nebuliser, and 3.5% with either
— 28.5% increased the dose (up to 400 micrograms without a spacer, 1200 micrograms with a spacer, or 5 mg through a nebuliser) and 69.5% increased the frequency (up to every 1–2 hours)
• 2% would also prescribe salmeterol (in addition to salbutamol).
Oral steroid
• 80% would prescribe an oral steroid (prednisolone or prednisone in all cases except one). • The most commonly prescribed dose was 50 mg daily (range 10–75 mg) mainly for 1–2 weeks
(range 3 days – unspecified); 16.5% advocated a dosage reduction schedule.
Inhaled corticosteroid
• 4.5% would prescribe an inhaled corticosteroid (1.5% in conjunction with an oral steroid). • 6.5% would prescribe combined inhaled corticosteroid plus a long-acting beta2 agonist
(3.5% in conjunction with an oral steroid).
Antibiotic
• 98% would prescribe one or more antibiotics, mainly for about 1–2 weeks (Table 1).
• Most respondents based their decision to prescribe an antibiotic on the presence of one or more of the
following signs and symptoms: fever (62.5%), increased sputum purulence (59.5%), local lung signs (39%), increased dyspnoea (20%), increased sputum volume (13%), increased cough (7%),
tachycardia (6.5%), increased respiratory rate (1.0%), and tachypnoea (1.0%).
• As recommended in the COPD-X guidelines,1 26% of respondents listed increased sputum purulence
plus increased sputum volume and/or increased dyspnoea as the reason for prescribing an antibiotic.
• Other reasons for prescribing an antibiotic included a presentation consistent with acute infective
exacerbation of COPD, suspected pneumonia, and to prevent hospitalisation.
Other medications
• Other medications prescribed during the exacerbation included senega and ammonia mixture APF (1%)
Table 1.
Antibiotic therapy during exacerbation
% of
respondents
(n = 196)
Amoxycillin 500 mg every 8 hours 1000 mg every 12 hoursOther (e.g. 250 mg every 8 hours, 500 mg every 6 hours) Doxycycline
100 mg once daily (in some cases 200 mg on the first day) 100 mg twice daily
50 mg once daily
Amoxycillin / clavulanic acid 875/125 mg twice daily
Other (500/125 mg twice daily or not specified) Amoxycillin and roxithromycin
Roxithromycin (150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily) Cephalexin (250 mg every 6 hours or 500 mg every 8 hours) Procaine penicillin and amoxycillin
Procaine penicillin, amoxycillin and roxithromycin
69.9 55.1 10.2 4.6 14.8 13.3 1.0 0.5 8.7 6.1 2.6 2.6 2.0 1.0 0.5 0.5
Practice points
• During acute exacerbations of COPD, increase the use of short-acting bronchodilators.
• An MDI with a spacer is as effective as a nebuliser if an adequate dose is taken, and is cheaper and
more portable.1, 2 Nebulisers should be reserved for patients who are unable to use MDIs (with or
without spacer).2 The dose via a spacer that is considered equivalent to a 5 mg salbutamol nebule
varies from 8–15 puffs of a 100 microgram salbutamol MDI.1,3
• Consider oral prednisolone 30–50 mg daily for 7–14 days (short courses less than 14 days do not
usually require tapering).1,2,4
• Consider antibiotic therapy if increased sputum purulence is present with increased sputum volume and/or
dyspnoea.1 The goal of therapy is to reduce volume and purulence of sputum; elimination of colonising
organisms is not required.2 The presence of fever is not necessarily indicative of a bacterial infection.2 • Amoxycillin (500 mg every 8 hours for 5 days) or doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 5 days) is
recommended as first-line therapy;2 other antibiotics have not been shown to be superior and are not
recommended unless patients do not respond, or resistant organisms are suspected.1,2
• Amoxycillin 1000 mg twice daily is currently not recommended by Therapeutic Guidelines for
acute exacerbations of COPD.2
— In a study of 395 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, amoxycillin 1000 mg twice daily offered no additional benefits (in efficacy or safety) compared with amoxycillin 500 mg every 8 hours.5 When compared with the current guidelines for antibiotic therapy in COPD
exacerbations, the study also used a longer duration of therapy and placed less emphasis on increased sputum purulence as one of the criteria for antibiotic therapy.
• If pneumonia is suspected, investigate and treat as for community-acquired pneumonia:
— assessment should include history and examination, chest X-ray, measurement of arterial blood oxygen saturation, investigations for the causal pathogen, and Pneumonia Severity Index class.2
Drug therapy for stable COPD
Table 2 summarises the medication regimens that respondents would use for stable COPD management.
Table 2.
Drug therapy for stable COPD management
% of
respondents
(n = 121*)
Tiotropium and salbutamol (existing treatment)
Tiotropium, salbutamol, long-acting beta2 agonist and inhaled corticosteroid
Tiotropium, salbutamol and inhaled corticosteroid
Tiotropium, long-acting beta2 agonist and inhaled corticosteroid
Tiotropium only
Tiotropium, salbutamol and long-acting beta2 agonist
Tiotropium and long-acting beta2 agonist
Tiotropium and inhaled corticosteroid Miscellaneous 28.1 22.3 12.4 11.6 7.4 5.8 5.8 3.3 3.3
* Only responses that were clear about whether or not tiotropium and salbutamol were to be continued have been included in the analysis.
Bronchodilator
(n = 121)
• 98.3% and 70.2% of respondents stated that they would continue tiotropium and salbutamol,
respectively.
• 32.2% and 14.1% would add salmeterol and eformoterol, respectively. Long-acting beta2 agonists
were prescribed either on their own (15.7%) or in a combination product (30.6%). When prescribed as a single-ingredient product, about half would review the medication after 4–8 weeks, but when
prescribed as a combination product, most would continue it indefinitely.
• Other bronchodilators that were prescribed were ipratropium (1.7%) and terbutaline (0.8%).
Inhaled corticosteroid
(n = 121)
• 2.5%, 11.6% and 35.5% prescribed beclomethasone, budesonide and fluticasone, respectively.
Inhaled corticosteroids were prescribed either on their own (19.8%) or in a combination product (30.6%). When prescribed as a single-ingredient product, most would review the medication after 4–8 weeks, but when prescribed as a combination product, most would continue it indefinitely.
Practice points
• To date, the use of long-acting beta2 agonists in conjunction with tiotropium has not been investigated
in clinical trials.2 However, these drugs work by different mechanisms, and several guidelines advocate
combined bronchodilator therapy for patients who remain symptomatic on monotherapy.1,4,6
— Long-acting beta2 agonists should be stopped and reassessed if there are no changes in
symptoms, ability to perform daily activities or exercise capacity after 4 weeks.2,6 • Inhaled corticosteroid should be considered in patients who have documented evidence of
responsiveness to inhaled corticosteroids, or who have moderate or severe COPD (FEV1 ≤ 50%
predicted) and have 2 or more exacerbations requiring treatment with antibiotics or oral corticosteroids in a 12-month period.1,2,6
— Recommended trial periods for inhaled corticosteroids vary from 6 weeks up to 6 months
(depending on the guideline).1,2,7 However, a longer trial may be necessary to assess an impact on
exacerbation rates.
• There are conflicting findings regarding the efficacy of combined inhaled corticosteroid plus
long-acting beta2 agonist in a single inhaler, compared with inhaled corticosteroid or long-acting beta2
agonist alone in COPD.8
— The option of using either long-acting beta2 agonist or inhaled corticosteroid alone should be
considered first before considering adding both medications to the existing regimen.
— While combination products may be more convenient for the patient, when indicated, an initial trial of inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2 agonist in separate inhalers may allow better
Other aspects of COPD management
During COPD exacerbation
• In addition to the drug therapy already listed on page 6, 181 respondents (90.5%) would include in
their management plan for COPD exacerbation the measures listed in Table 3.
Table 3.
Other measures to manage COPD exacerbation
% of
respondents*
(n = 181)
Advise to stop smoking
Recommend physiotherapy/ chest physiotherapy Follow-up
In 24 hours In 48 hours Not specified
Consider other drug therapy
Consider oral steroid (if condition worsens)
Consider other medications (e.g. paracetamol, oral theophylline, mucolytics, long-acting beta2
agonist)
Consider hospital admission if deteriorating/ no improvement Review inhalation device
Order chest X-ray
Check inhaler technique
Consider use of spacer and/or nebuliser Assess lung function (using spirometry)
Miscellaneous (e.g. consider oxygen therapy, action plan, regular peak flow measurements)
49.7 18.8 14.4 8.8 1.7 3.9 14.3 6.6 7.7 9.9 7.7 6.1 4.4 3.3 3.3 20.4
* Respondents may have more than one response
During stable COPD
• In addition to the drug therapy already listed on page 8, 180 respondents (90%) would include in their management plan for stable COPD the measures listed in Table 4.
Table 4.
Other measures in stable COPD management
% of
respondents*
(n = 180)
Advise/ assist with smoking cessation Reassess lung function (via spirometry) Review/ optimise drug therapy
Recommend respiratory rehabilitation
Ensure currency of influenza and/or pneumococcal vaccination Recommend exercise
Check inhaler technique Prepare an action plan Assess compliance
Miscellaneous (e.g. advise the patient to use a peak flow meter, conduct regular reviews, consider referral to a respiratory physician)
61.1 16.7 14.4 13.3 12.8 8.9 7.2 6.7 3.3 16.7
* Respondents may have more than one response
Practice points
• Pulmonary rehabilitation is considered one of the most effective interventions in COPD and has been
shown to improve symptoms and functioning of patients with COPD.1 It should be offered to patients
with moderate to severe COPD who are sufficiently motivated and do not have severe co-morbidities which preclude active participation in the program.2 Comprehensive programs encompassing exercise
training, patient education and psychosocial support have been shown to have the greatest benefit.1 • Annual influenza vaccination is recommended to reduce the incidence of acute exacerbations of
COPD.1,6
• Pneumococcal vaccination is also recommended.1,2 The current schedule for pneumococcal vaccination
is as follows:9
— non-Indigenous adults≥ 65 years, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults ≥ 50 years: one
dose followed by a single revaccination 5 years later
— non-Indigenous adults < 65 years with risk factors (includes pulmonary disease): one dose followed by a single revaccination at 65 years of age or 10 years after the first dose, whichever is later
— Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults 15–49 years of age with risk factors (includes pulmonary disease): revaccination 5 years after the first dose, then again at 50 years of age or 10 years after the first revaccination, whichever comes later.
• Demonstration and repetition are essential for achieving optimal patient inhaler technique.2 Inhaler
technique should be checked regularly to ensure that patients are using their inhalers correctly1,2 and
compliance should be assessed.
• Patients should be encouraged to take appropriate responsibility in managing their own condition.1
— A COPD action plan may be helpful and is recommended.1,2 It may include medications for stable
and acute management, and instructions on how to identify and respond to an acute exacerbation. You can download a template from the Australian Lung Foundation at www.lungnet.com.au/copd/copd_action_plan.html.
— Patients at risk of COPD exacerbations should keep a course of antibiotic and corticosteroid tablets at home for use as part of self-management.2
Strategies to assist with smoking cessation
Table 5.
Strategies
% of respondents*
(n = 199)
Non-pharmacological strategies Brief counselling and/or encouragementRefer to Quitline or other resources by the national tobacco campaign Support, follow-up and/or review (at consultations or by telephone) Discuss benefits of smoking cessation and/or risks of co ntinuing to smoke Assess readiness to change
Provide education or written material Behavioural therapy
Intensive counseling
Use 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) strategy
Discuss previous attempts (e.g. what was tried, what did not work) Refer to a smoking-cessation specialist
Miscellaneous (e.g. hypnotherapy, exercise program, local smoking-cessation program, referral to a psychologist, setting a quit date)
56.8 44.7 30.7 12.1 5.5 5.5 4.5 4.0 4.0 2.5 2.5 19.1 Pharmacological therapies
Discuss and advise about available drug therapy options Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Bupropion
Bupropion (and intensive counselling)†
Bupropion if NRT unsuccessful
24.1 52.3 27.6 6.5
* Respondents may have more than one response
† Some respondents listed both NRT and bupropion
Practice points
• Smoking cessation is the single most important intervention to prevent or slow the progression of
COPD.1,4,10
• Brief counselling (3–5 minutes) by a health professional has been shown to be effective4,11 and every
smoker should be offered at least this intervention at every visit.1,4 When aware of patient’s previous
attempts, it may be helpful to first discuss what worked or did not work in previous attempts.
• Bupropion (in conjunction with counselling and support) or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) doubles
the rate of smoking cessation compared with placebo.11,12 There are insufficient data to recommend
bupropion in preference to NRT, and vice versa.1,13
• The different forms of NRT have similar effectiveness,11,12 and choice should be based on patient
preference, need and tolerance.1
• Other interventions that have been shown to work include:11
— intensive (> 10 minutes) counselling by a health professional
— telephone counselling services
— group behavioural therapy
— follow-up visits to a GP
Commentary 1
Dr Julia Walters Research Fellow, Discipline of Medicine University of Tasmania Hobart, Tasmania
Key points
• The only factor known to be effective in
preventing progression of COPD is smoking cessation. Intensive assistance, using quit methods with the highest success rates, should be given when COPD is diagnosed in a smoker.
• Two or more exacerbations of COPD in one
year are associated with more rapid lung function decline.
Acute exacerbation of COPD
Diagnosis
This man (at age 50 relatively young compared with most general practice COPD patients) is known by his GP to have COPD. This is in itself relatively unusual, as most people (60–80%) in community surveys who are found to have COPD do not have a previous diagnosis of COPD.16-18 However, Cedric had spirometry
recently (8 months ago) and this demonstrated obstruction, with an FEV1 /FVC ratio of 65%.
With an FEV1 of 55% of the value predicted for
his age, Cedric would be classified with
moderate COPD by the COPD-X guidelines1, i.e.
his FEV1 lies in the range 40–59%.
The clinical symptoms Cedric displays are typical of an exacerbation of COPD, defined as a
sustained worsening of symptoms from the usual stable state, being acute in onset with worsening dyspnoea, cough, increased sputum production and change in sputum colour.6
Treating in the community
The need for immediate treatment was
recognised by at least 98% of respondents. This is an important point, as lung function may not
exacerbations. The presence of cyanosis,
peripheral oedema, acute confusion and severe tachypnoea (in addition to impaired physical functioning and inability to cope at home) probably indicate the need for hospital admission.6
Management of acute exacerbation Cedric’s symptoms of breathlessness were addressed effectively by most respondents, who indicated use of bronchodilators, continuing his inhaled tiotropium (98.5%) and salbutamol (98.5%). However, only 28.5% increased the dose of short-acting beta2 agonist although
69.5% increased the frequency. These agents should be used at a dose high enough to relieve breathlessness; 8 puffs 2–3-hourly may be required. More effective delivery can be ensured from an MDI by using a spacer. They have been shown to be as effective as nebulisers and are more convenient and readily available.
A recently published Cochrane systematic review21 concluded that antibiotic therapy,
regardless of antibiotic choice, significantly reduced mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.23,
95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10 to 0.52; with number needed to treat [NNT] of 8, 95% CI 6 to 17) and treatment failure (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.62; with NNT of 3, 95% CI 3 to 5) in exacerbations in patients who are moderately or severely ill. An appropriate antibiotic was indicated by 85% of respondents. Only 2% would prescribe
roxithromycin, and 3.1% chose to give this in addition to amoxycillin — an unnecessary combination in COPD exacerbation without pneumonia that increases the possibility of side effects such as diarrhoea. For 59.5% of
Guidelines recommend considering using oral steroids for managing an exacerbation in the community unless there are significant
contraindications. A Cochrane systematic review22 found that there were significantly
fewer treatment failures in patients given corticosteroid treatment (odds ratio [OR] 0.48, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.68; with NNT of 9 patients, 95% CI 6 to 14). Most respondents chose to use a conventional-length course (7–14 days) of oral prednisolone or prednisone. Only 16.5%
tapered the dose; for a course less than 14 days this is not required.
Smoking cessation
Advice to stop smoking was the most frequent additional management activity undertaken during the exacerbation (49.7% of
respondents). This is important because Cedric still smokes even 5 years after having the diagnosis of COPD, but it was an opportunity missed by more than half the respondents. Even brief advice to stop smoking is valuable and effective23 and is emphasised in all guidelines.
Only 61.1% included smoking cessation in measures to manage Cedric’s COPD when he was stable. This should be the highest priority for treatment, as stopping smoking is the most effective intervention to slow progression. Cedric has made previous efforts — so far unsuccessful — in achieving sustained
abstinence and is likely to need pharmacological therapy in addition to the counselling and encouragement offered by 56.8% of
respondents, as this increases his chances of success. Both bupropion and nicotine-replacement therapy double the rates of cessation compared with placebo; 51.3% proposed using nicotine-replacement therapy and 24.6% bupropion to assist Cedric.
Management of stable COPD
When reviewing Cedric at follow-up, the principles of COPD-X (optimising function, preventing deterioration, developing self-management strategies) should be followed.1
Spirometry
In assessing the longer-term need for therapy after Cedric is stable, only 16.7% would use spirometry to reassess lung function. Spirometry would give the GP an objective measure to assess Cedric’s severity and his response to additional treatment, which most respondents
instituted, and it could help to reinforce his efforts to quit smoking.
Medication
Cedric has now had two exacerbations within one year and is at higher risk of more rapid decline in lung function. He should be given a trial of therapy with inhaled corticosteroids. His response can be assessed by symptoms and FEV1, although for assessment on exacerbation
rate the length of treatment needs to be
prolonged. Inhaled corticosteroids were given by 50.4% of respondents, with most reviewing efficacy after 4–8 weeks. Combination products with long-acting beta2 agonists were used by
30.6%. Use of these products in stable COPD has preceded full consideration of their efficacy. A Cochrane systematic review8 concluded that,
although they led to clinically meaningful differences in quality of life, symptoms and rate of exacerbations compared with placebo, there were conflicting results when the different combination therapies were compared with either inhaled corticosteroids alone or long-acting beta2 agonists alone. More data are
necessary to draw firmer conclusions about the effects of combination therapy in a single inhaler, and their use is not currently recommended by guidelines.
Preventing deterioration
Ensuring that influenza and pneumococcal vaccination were up to date was noted by 12.8% of respondents. Measures to develop a support network and self-management plan were addressed by some respondents: recommending respiratory rehabilitation (13.3%), recommending exercise (8.9%) and preparing an action plan (6.7%). As well as enhancing physical fitness and quality of life, respiratory rehabilitation aims to foster self-management and emotional coping skills. Completing respiratory rehabilitation and/or having an action plan leads to better recognition of deterioration and more appropriate treatment of exacerbations24,25 but many patients with
COPD who would benefit do not have the opportunity, through lack of referral or
availability.26 Access will hopefully be improved
with the launch of a toolkit this year by the Australian Lung Foundation and Australian Physiotherapy Association to assist health professionals in developing programs more widely throughout Australia.27
Commentary 2
Associate Professor Christine McDonald Deputy Director, Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine Director, Institute for Breathing and Sleep Medicine Austin Hospital Melbourne, Victoria
Key points
• Spirometry is the gold standard for
diagnosing and monitoring COPD.
• Smoking cessation and oxygen therapy in
patients with COPD who are hypoxaemic are the only treatments known to impact survival in COPD.
• Recurrent exacerbations of COPD are
associated with a more rapid decline in both lung function and quality of life and may be managed by a range of long-term treatments, including long-acting
bronchodilators, corticosteroids and combinations of both.
Management tools for COPD
COPD is defined as ‘a disease state characterised by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible’.4
Spirometry is the gold standard for diagnosing COPD and it is pleasing to note that Cedric has undergone spirometric testing, which has demonstrated that he has moderate COPD (by COPD-X criteria1). Repeat spirometry may
be appropriate to monitor progressive decline in lung function, which is faster in patients with COPD who continue to smoke.
It is unclear whether knowledge about the presence of COPD impacts on patients’ success with quitting smoking. One study of patients offered smoking-cessation advice after screening spirometry found that those identified as having moderate to severe COPD were more likely to have successfully quit at 12 months after the intervention than those with normal lung function or only mild airflow obstruction.28
Management of the acute
exacerbation
Up to 50% of patients with moderate to severe COPD suffer recurrent exacerbations. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of such exacerbations may prevent functional deterioration and also reduce hospital admissions. Cedric is clearly unwell but should respond to standard therapy.
An acute exacerbation requires stepped-up therapy with more frequent and higher-dose bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids and possibly antibiotics.1 Consistent with this,
71.5% of respondents stated they would change the method of delivery of salbutamol and/or increase the dosage. Metered-dose inhaler plus spacer is as effective as nebuliser as long as the dosage is equivalent, and this may require up to 8–10 or more puffs of 100-microgram salbutamol or equivalent short-acting bronchodilator.
Eighty per cent of respondents would
prescribe oral corticosteroids, most commonly prednisolone 50 mg once daily for 1–2 weeks. This should not require tapering and is
associated with more rapid resolution of the exacerbation and a reduced likelihood of relapse.1
It is important that Cedric stops smoking during the acute attack; indeed, the occurrence of this acute attack is a perfect opportunity to intensify discussion about smoking cessation. About half of the respondents identified advice and other assistance in stopping smoking as being of importance during an acute exacerbation.
In patients who are at least moderately ill, with clinical signs of infection such as increased volume and purulence of sputum, a Cochrane review confirmed that antibiotics reduce mortality risk and risk of treatment failure.21
Australian Therapeutic Guidelines2 recommend
oral amoxycillin or doxycycline for treatment of such an acute exacerbation, unless there is known colonisation with a resistant organism, or the presence of pneumonia.
The finding of crackles at the left lung base does raise the question of possible pneumonia, as recognised by some respondents. This could be confirmed by chest radiograph, if clinically indicated. Confirmation of pneumonia would prompt treatment for community-acquired pneumonia with standard combination antibiotic therapy.
Management of stable COPD
Both during and after the acute attack, attention to smoking-cessation strategies is paramount. Smoking cessation has been shown to reduce the accelerated decline in lung function seen in COPD.1 The COPD-X Checklist (available from
www.lungnet.com.au) contains the well-known modified Fletcher and Peto graph of decline in FEV1 over time and the positive impact of
smoking cessation on this decline. Discussing the graph with patients may be a useful adjunct in addressing this issue.
The type of smoking-cessation program should be tailored to the patient and may include assessing the degree of nicotine addiction using the Fagerstrom questionnaire (available in Smoking Cessation Guidelines for Australian General Practice29). Unless contraindicated,
nicotine replacement therapy and/or bupropion in addition to ongoing support and counselling
should be used to optimise quit rates for patients with COPD.6
In patients with moderate to severe COPD and recurrent exacerbations, inhaled corticosteroids have been demonstrated both to reduce
exacerbation rate and improve quality of life. Long-acting bronchodilator therapy with either inhaled anticholinergics or long-acting beta2
agonists may also have a role in improving quality of life in COPD.
The place of combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2 agonist
either used separately or in one inhaler remains unclear, and a recent Cochrane systematic review8 concluded that more data are necessary
before firm recommendations can be made. Useful further data should soon be available through publication of the results of the TORCH study.30 This large, randomised controlled study
examined combination therapy with fluticasone and salmeterol versus placebo, versus each component alone, with the primary endpoint of mortality and secondary endpoints including exacerbation rate and quality of life.
The rate of referral for pulmonary rehabilitation seems rather low at 13.3% of respondents. This could be because of Cedric’s relatively young age and the potential impact a 6-week program may have on his working life. However, it is important to recognise that pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective interventions available in managing COPD, improving both exercise capacity and quality of life as well as impacting on the anxiety and depression commonly associated with the condition.1 If not available locally, the recently
released Pulmonary Rehabilitation Toolkit (www.lungnet.com.au) provides practical
Inhaled medications used in COPD
Generic name
Device
Brand names
Strength
(in micrograms, unless otherwise indicated)
Bronchodilators
Short-acting beta 2 agonists
Salbutamol Terbutaline Autohaler MDI Nebuliser Rotahaler Nebuliser Turbuhaler Airomir Autohaler
Airomir, Asmol CFC-free, Epaq, Ventolin CFC-free Asmol Uni-dose, Butamol, Ventolin Nebules Ventolin Rotacaps Bricanyl Respules Bricanyl Turbuhaler 100 100 2.5mg/2.5mL, 5mg/2.5mL 200 5mg/2mL 500 Long-acting beta 2 agonists *
Eformoterol Salmeterol Aeroliser Turbuhaler Accuhaler MDI Foradile Oxis Turbuhaler Serevent Accuhaler Serevent 12 6, 12 50 25 Anticholinergic bronchodilators Ipratropium Tiotropium MDI Nebuliser Handihaler Atrovent CFC-Free
Aeron, Apoven, Atrovent preparations, Ipratrin, Ipravent Spiriva 21 250/mL, 500/mL 18 Combination bronchodilator †
Salbutamol/ipratropium MDI Combivent 100/20
Corticosteroids
‡ Beclomethasone Budesonide Ciclesonide Fluticasone Autohaler MDI Nebuliser Turbuhaler MDI Accuhaler MDI Qvar Autohaler Qvar Pulmicort Respules Pulmicort Turbuhaler Alvesco Flixotide Accuhaler Flixotide 50, 100 50, 100 500/2mL,1000/2mL 100, 200, 400 80, 160 100, 250, 500 50, 125, 250Combination corticosteroid /
long-acting beta
2agonists
‡References
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