Analysis of Acute Drug Usage From a Retrospective Cohort Study on the Impact of an OPEP Device in COPD Patients With Chronic Bronchitis

Abstract

SESSION TITLE: Airways 2 SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Poster PRESENTED ON: Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM PURPOSE: The Aerobika* Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device has been shown to significantly improve measures such as ease-bringing-up-sputum, FVC, quality of life and 6MWD in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients with chronic bronchitis (CB)1. This abstract reports acute drug usage data from a retrospective cohort study that compared real-world outcomes over 6 months among COPD patients with CB. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of the Charge Detail Master (CDM) hospital claims database was conducted between September 2013 and August 2015. The final study sample comprised of 810 patients, 405 received an Aerobika* OPEP device and were propensity score matched with 405 controls (matching included, amongst others, history of exacerbations, comorbidities and drug usage). The study inclusion criteria were: ≥1 record pre-index, ≥1 record post-index, newly initiated on Aerobika* device, ≥1 diagnosis of CB on/before index, ≥18 yrs old, no evidence of other PEP/OPEP anytime, with complete records. RESULTS: The proportion of patients prescribed oral corticosteroids (OCS) and antibiotics in the hospital setting during the post-index period was significantly lower for patients using the OPEP device compared to their matched controls (OCS: 1.5% vs 13.3%, p<0.001; antibiotics: 14.1% vs 32.6%, p<0.001, for OPEP and matched controls, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant reduction in the requirement for OCS and antibiotics in the hospital setting for patients receiving the OPEP device. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This suggests that the Aerobika* OPEP device may be an effective addition to a disease management plan for COPD patients with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations.