Analysis of Prescription Pattern, Treatment, and Clinical Outcome in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background and Aims: A major economic and social burden is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an incurable lung illness that affects people all over the world. With a rising incidence rate, COPD is predicted to overtake all other causes of mortality by 2030. This study employs the BMI, Obstruction, Dyspnea scale, exercise tolerance (BODE) index as a multidimensional staging approach to evaluate the prescription pattern, safety, and efficacy of therapy in patients with COPD. The body mass index (BMI), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), modified british medical research council questionnaire (MMRC) Dyspnoea scale, and the 6-minute walk test are among the factors that the BODE index uses to classify the severity of an illness. Methods: An observational and prospective study was conducted at a government teaching hospital’s outpatient department for one and a half years. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were collected from patients with COPD, and severity was assessed using the BODE index. The study aimed to evaluate prescription trends, treatment effectiveness, and safety, with primary and secondary objectives. Results: Out of 100 enrolled participants, 79 completed follow-ups. Sociodemographic analysis revealed a male predominance (83.54%), with the highest prevalence in the 51–70 age group. Most patients exhibited moderate COPD severity (51.9%), based on the BODE index. Prescriptions included inhalation therapy (94.94%), predominantly combining corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Assessing treatment effectiveness, the BODE index significantly improved over 6 months ( P = 0.0002), demonstrating reduced disease severity. Adverse drug reactions occurred in 13.92% of participants, primarily mild in nature. Conclusion: The study highlights prevalent prescription patterns, emphasising inhalation therapy, and demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of the selected treatments using the BODE index. The findings underscore the importance of tailored therapeutic approaches in COPD management.