Combination Of Bronchodilators Research Articles

Therapy Pattern and Potential for Drug Interactions In COPD Patients at S.K. Lerik Regional Hospital Of Kupang City

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation and is associated with an increased chronic inflammatory response to certain irritants, gases, or particles. COPD management uses a combination of drugs to treat the disease's symptoms, which varies depending on the patient's condition. The combination of these drugs has the potential to cause drug interactions that result in Drug Related Problems (DRP). A DRP is defined as a change in the effect of a drug due to being given together with other drugs. This study aims to describe the pharmacological therapy given and the potential for drug interactions in COPD therapy at the S.K Lerik Regional General Hospital. This research is descriptive, non-experimental, and observational, using retrospective data. The sample in this study was the medical record data of COPD patients hospitalized at the S.K Lerik Regional General Hospital, with a total sampling technique. The study’s results revealed that the COPD patients’ treatment at the S.K Lerik Hospital mainly uses a combination of corticosteroid therapy (methylprednisolone), bronchodilators (salbutamol), and antibiotics (ceftriaxone). The highest potential for drug interactions was at the mild severity level with the interaction between methylprednisolone and salbutamol, which was given to all patients (12 patients). Due to the high potential for drug interactions of these two drugs, further monitoring is needed in COPD patients to determine the manifestations of these drug interactions in clinical conditions

Is the Treatment of Copd in Accordance with The Guidelines of Gold in Algeria?

Despite the availability of national and international recommendations, it should be noted that treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) does not always follow the recommendations. This study evaluated the current management of patients with COPD at their first visit to the Pulmonology Service consultation. Constantine Regional Military University Hospital Methods Sixty-one consecutive patients with spirometry-confirmed stable COPD were included after obtaining informed written consent. Demographic and clinical data, spirometric values, 6-minute walking distance, BMI and current treatment were collected for analysis. This is a prospective study conducted at Constantine Regional Military University Hospital Results Long-acting bronchodilators without inhaled corticosteroids were prescribed in 52.5% of patients, with a preference for LABA (21.3%) over LAMA (8.2%). The combination LABA + LAMA was used in 23% of patients. The unavailability and cost of LAMA could explain this difference in prescription. Inhaled corticosteroids were used by 39.3% of patients, with overrepresentation in B and D (66.66%). None of our patients received inhaled corticosteroids alone, or PDE4 inhibitors or theophylline At the time of the first consultation, 93.4% of our cohort patients were on treatment for COPD. Among those not treated, the majority were in the mild (75%) and moderate (25%) severity groups. Approximately 26.2% of patients received a combination of short-acting bronchodilators (SABA) + two long-acting bronchodilators (LABA + LAMA) + inhaled corticosteroids (IC), with higher prevalence in the most symptomatic groups (B and D), 75%. Conclusions The guidelines were not followed in their great majority, so COPD is not treated according to the recommendations of the GOLD, it happens that some patients do not receive any treatment despite the emergence of symptoms. ICS are commonly administered to patients under treatment, regardless of the severity of airflow limitation. Abréviations: CAT, COPD Assessment Test ; BPCO, maladie pulmonaire obstructive chronique ; VEMS , volume expiratoire maximal en 1 seconde ; GOLD, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease ; mMRC, Medical Research Council modifié, corticostéroïdes inhalés (CSI), bêta2- agonistes à action prolongée : (LABA) antagoniste muscarinique à action prolongée :( LAMA)

PDE4 Inhibitors and their Potential Combinations for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Narrative Review.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with cough, sputum production, and a reduction in lung function, quality of life, and life expectancy. Currently, bronchodilator combinations (β2-agonists and muscarinic receptor antagonists, dual therapy) and bronchodilators combined with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), triple therapy, are the mainstays for the management of COPD. However, the use of ICS in triple therapy has been shown to increase the risk of pneumonia in some patients. These findings have laid the foundation for developing new therapies that possess both anti-inflammatory and/or bronchodilation properties. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors have been reported as an effective therapeutic strategy for inflammatory conditions, such as asthma and COPD, but their use is limited because of class-related side effects. Efforts have been made to mitigate these side effects by targeting the PDE4B subtype of PDE4, which plays a pivotal role in the anti-inflammatory effects. Unfortunately, no selective oral PDE4B inhibitors have progressed to clinical trials. This has led to the development of inhaled PDE4 inhibitors to minimize systemic exposure and maximize the therapeutic effect. Another approach, the bronchodilation property of PDE3 inhibitors, is combined with anti-inflammatory PDE4 inhibitors to develop dual inhaled PDE4/PDE3 inhibitors. A few of these dual inhibitors have shown positive effects and are in phase 3 studies. The current review provides an overview of various PDE4 inhibitors in the treatment of COPD. The possibility of studying different selective PDE4 inhibitors and dual PDE3/4 inhibitors in combination with currently available treatments as a way forward to increase their therapeutic effectiveness is also emphasized.

Clinical case of indacaterol / glycopyrronium bromide prescription in a patient with severe copd and concomitant pathology

Combinations of inhaled glucocorticosteroids (IHGC) and long-acting bronchodilator inhalers (LABA inhalers) have been widely used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over the past two decades. Prescription of these drugs was based on large studies showing that this therapeutic regimen was more effective compared to placebo and monotherapy. The article presents a clinical case report of a patient with severe course of COPD and coronary heart disease (CHD). Up-to-date concepts of using dual bronchodilator therapy when switching from combinations of inhaled glucocorticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilator inhalers (IHGC/LABA) is discussed. A patient with COPD and coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation while using IHGC/LABA had progressive respiratory failure, frequent exacerbations, and acute symptomatology. As there is evidence that the use of IHGC/LABA has a number of limitations in the combined course of COPD and cardiovascular diseases, first of all in coronary artery disease and arrhythmias, it was recommended to replace therapy with a combination of dual bronchodilators – a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting β agonist (LABA). The therapy resulted in stabilization of the condition, reduction of clinical symptoms, and absence of cardiovascular complications. It has been concluded that the dual bronchodilator therapy with a combination of glycopyrronium bromide and indacaterol is prioritized in COPD, including COPD combined with cardiovascular pathology; no increase in cardiovascular events in patients with COPD combined with coronary artery disease is observed; Breezhaler inhaler is user-friendly for the patients and has advantages over other delivery devices.

Triple fixed drug combination in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the common respiratory diseases characterized by chronic inflammation, increased airway resistance and exacerbations. Treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms, preventing exacerbations and progression of the disease, which significantly affects the well-being of patients. Irregular administration of prescribed drugs, as well as incorrect inhalation technique affects the well-being of patients, worsens the quality of life, increases the risk of adverse outcome. Over the past few years, the possibilities of therapy have certainly expanded, primarily due to the emergence of new combination drugs containing 2 or 3 components in one inhaler. The use of a medicament containing all three components in a single delivery device contributes to improved adherence to treatment and reduces the possibility of errors in inhalation technique. Drugs with the possibility of single use per day improve the patient’s adherence to therapy. In our clinical case, a patient with severe COPD and eosinophilia > 300 cells/µL with the administration of a double fixed combination of bronchodilators during the year showed an improvement in the condition, but a high level of blood eosinophils and frequent exacerbations remained. A personalized approach to COPD therapy will reduce the number of exacerbations, slow down the decline in lung function, and improve the quality of life of patients. The triple combination provides an effective and convenient option for supportive treatment of COPD, primarily for those whose disease is not controlled by dual ICS/LABA or LABA/LABA therapy.

Individual approach in the treatment of occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction. Occupational COPD (PCODD) is characterized by partially irreversible airflow limitation, the phenomenon of "air traps" and the formation of emphysema, has a steadily progressive character. In the work of a practitioner, an individual approach to the patient with targeted pharmacotherapy using new combinations in the treatment of occupational COPD is important, taking into account the evaluation of the effectiveness of previous therapy.
 The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy with combined bronchodilators in PCOPD with an analysis of the dynamics of functional parameters, exercise tolerance, using additional criteria for differential diagnosis.
 Material and methods. The effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy was analyzed in 45 men, diagnosed with occupational COPD (PCODD). Additional differential diagnostics included the following informative indicators: instantaneous volumetric velocity after exhalation 75 FVC (MOS75); cough intensity according to the CAT questionnaire (1 point); ratio of forced vital capacity to forced expiratory volume in 1 minute (FVC/FEV1); 6MWT data, % predicted; 6MWT, m; overall score on the mMRС questionnaire; the severity of shortness of breath according to the CAT questionnaire (point 4); instantaneous volumetric velocity after exhalation 25 FVC (MOS25). The discriminant equation is represented by the formula: F=–9,76+0,75×a1–2,00×a2–0,19×a3+0,27×a4–0,11×a5+1,22×a6+3,62×a7+2,22×a8.
 Results. Two clinical trials were retrospectively analyzed using combined bronchodilator therapy with long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (LAA) and β2-agonists (LAA) in patients with PCOD. A group of patients was identified where a statistically significant improvement in clinical and functional parameters was not achieved against the background of the therapy. When to the group of occupational bronchial asthma (OBA). When conducting an individual analysis of indicators, it was found that for patients with PCOD during bronchodilator therapy, an improvement in spirometric parameters is characteristic, in particular, an increase in FEV1 and FVC; Significant reduction in symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, sputum. Whereas, the PBA group was characterized only by an improvement in the distance traveled in 6MWT.
 Conclusion. Our earlier clinical studies on the effectiveness of treatment of patients with PCOD with combined bronchodilator therapy showed the effectiveness of this therapy in 70–75% of the patients examined. An individual analysis of the clinical and functional parameters of the examined patients made it possible to identify the features of the course of occupational bronchopulmonary pathology, with the identification of individuals who need the use of a triple combination of LABA, LAAA with the addition of topical glucocorticosteroids. In this regard, all patients, as part of diagnostic measures, in addition to the standard examination, it is necessary to include 6MWT, BPG, questionnaires using mMRС and CAT questionnaires. Calculation of discriminant equations using data from spirometry, questionnaires, 6MWT and BPG will allow at the first stage of differential diagnosis to identify a group of patients for whom "triple" therapy is the means of choice.
 Ethics. The study was carried out in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The Clinical Study Protocol was reviewed at a meeting of the local Ethics Committee East-Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research.

Experience of clinicians with dual bronchodilator therapy in COPD (EXPAND) in Nepal

Introduction: Combination of bronchodilators, particularly long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) and long-acting β2 agonists (LABAs) have become the mainstay of pharmacological therapy for COPD. COPD is now a common non communicable disease in Nepal. Objective: The study evaluated the current perception and experience of the clinicians in Nepal on diagnosis and management of COPD with focus on use of dual bronchodilator therapy. Method: This cross-sectional, observational survey evaluated experiences of clinicians (n=96; pulmonologist-13, physician-57, general practitioner-26) in Nepal on diagnosis, management trends, and current perceptions on the use of dual bronchodilator therapy in COPD management. Result: 93% of clinicians were practising in an urban setting for an average of 10 years and an average of 35% of their patients are of COPD. 61% of clinicians use mMRC with (34%) or without (27%) CAT score. 92% of clinicians perceived that most of their patients had 1 (32%) or >1 (59%) exacerbation/year. 54% of clinicians performed spirometry on all their patients with suspected COPD. 49% of clinicians measured blood EOS in their patients with severe COPD before adding ICS. 93% of clinicians preferred dual therapy (separate inhalers or a combination) for their COPD patients, but 83% of clinicians preferred LABA + LAMA in a single inhaler over inhalers given separately. 57% of clinicians preferred LABA + LAMA and 82% preferred the Tiotropium + Formoterol combination. 81% of clinicians stepped up or stepped down their treatment. 56% of patients were taking LABA + LAMA + ICS and 55% of clinicians co-prescribed ICS + LABA with LABA + LAMA. 80% of clinicians checked the inhalation technique at every visit and an average of 54% of their COPD patients were adherent (>80%) to the prescribed inhalation therapy. 78% of clinicians felt that dryness of mouth was the most common side effect of LABA + LAMA. 94% of clinicians believed that managing COPD better could improve cardiovascular outcomes in their patients with coexistent COPD. Conclusion: In the EXPAND survey, Formoterol + Tiotropium was preferred by most clinicians in Nepal amongst the LABA + LAMA combination. There is a good scope for improvement in the utilization of tools like spirometry, mMRC, CAT, and blood EOS in the daily practice of clinicians in Nepal.

Understanding perspectives of asthma among pulmonologists in Indian settings: results from a questionnaire-based survey

Background: Asthma is associated with high morbidity and mortality in India. This survey was undertaken to explore the perspectives of pulmonologists towards in-clinic management of patients with asthma. Methods: It was a cross-sectional survey of pulmonologists conducted across India. It was formulated to provide unbiased observations of real-world clinical practice focusing on methods of diagnosis of asthma and its treatment preferences. Results: The participants included 805 pulmonologists, with the majority primarily treating patients with asthma (62%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (19%) and allergic rhinitis (19%). More than 86% of pulmonologists consider clinical symptoms, history of childhood asthma, family history, and chronic allergic rhinitis for initial diagnosis. About 19-23% prefer spirometry alone or in combination with family history for confirmation of asthma. The preferred inhaled corticosteroids-long-acting bronchodilator (ICS-LABA) combination was budesonide-formoterol amongst 83% of pulmonologists. For both dry powder inhaler (DPI) and metered dose inhaler (MDI) devices, fine particle fraction per cent and delivered dose were ranked as the two most important attributes. Conclusions: Asthma is the most prevalent diagnosis among patients treated by pulmonologists on the basis of clinical presentation and medical history. The most commonly used pharmacotherapy for the treatment of asthma comprises ICS-LABA, with budesonide-formoterol being the preferred combination. Fine particle fraction per cent and magnitude of delivered dose influence the choice of asthma inhaler prescriptions the most.

Combined therapy of broncho-obstructive pathology: two solutions to one problem

Chronic broncho-obstructive pulmonary diseases – bronchial asthma (BA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – are a serious clinical problem and an economic burden for practical healthcare. The purpose of the scientific review is to track the evolution of views on the use of bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in these diseases and to analyze modern approaches to treatment based on domestic and international guidelines. COPD treatment is aimed at two pathogenetic components – inflammation of the bronchi and the formation of emphysema. The basis of basic therapy remains the use of long-acting bronchodilators of two classes. Treatment of asthma is directed primarily at chronic inflammation of the airways using long-acting bronchodilators. The basis of basic therapy for asthma is the use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids. Currently, the same combinations of bronchodilators and ICS are recommended for both asthma and COPD. One direction is based on the use of ICS with formoterol, a 12-hour drug with a fast onset, in which the drug can be used on demand. The second direction is based on the constant use of ICS/LABA only on a regular basis, but with the ability to use bronchodilators on demand. In this case, ICS with high affinity are more often used. An important component of treatment is adherence to medical prescriptions and the availability of different types of drugs for patients in real clinical practice. At present, conditions have been created in Russia for the implementation of both the treatment of patients with asthma and the treatment of patients with COPD with frequent exacerbations and eosinophilia based on import substitution with modern drugs.

General approach to dry cough

Dry cough is a common health problem and upper airway cough syndrome, asthma and gastroesophageal reflux disease are the most common causes of dry cough in adults. Diagnostic approach and algorithms are defined according to the American Academy of Chest Diseases cough guideline updated in 2006.The initial evaluation should start with history taking, physical examination, radiologic and spirometric assessment. Antihistaminic and decongestant agent combinations, inhaled corticosteroid and bronchodilator combinations, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and when necessary oral steroids are used in the treatment depending on the etiology. Treatments based on etiology and if needed evaluation with further tests are essential.

Real-world comparative effectiveness of three single-inhaler dual bronchodilators for the treatment of COPD.

Single-inhaler dual bronchodilators are now recommended as initial treatment of COPD for patients with multiple exacerbations or with moderate or severe dyspnoea. It is unclear whether there are differences in effectiveness among commonly used dual bronchodilators. We identified a cohort of COPD patients, aged ≥40 years, treated during 2017-2020, from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, a real-world practice setting. Inhaled corticosteroid-naïve patients initiating vilanterol-umeclidinium (VIL-UME) were compared with those initiating olodaterol-tiotropium (OLO-TIO) or indacaterol-glycopyrronium (IND-GLY) dual bronchodilators primarily on the incidence of moderate and severe COPD exacerbation over 1 year, and corresponding hazard ratios (HRs), after adjustment by propensity score weighting. The cohort included 15 224 initiators of VIL-UME, 5536 initiators of OLO-TIO and 5059 initiators of IND-GLY. The HR of a moderate or severe exacerbation with VIL-UME was 0.91 (95% CI 0.85-0.97) compared with OLO-TIO and 0.96 (95% CI 0.89-1.03) compared with IND-GLY. The risk of severe exacerbation was not different for VIL-UME when compared with OLO-TIO (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.86-1.26) and IND-GLY (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.86-1.28). All-cause mortality was lower with VIL-UME compared with IND-GLY (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.98), but not compared with OLO-TIO (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.72-1.04). In a real-world setting of COPD treatment, the three dual bronchodilator combinations were similarly effective on the risk of a severe exacerbation of COPD. However, the VIL-UME and IND-GLY combinations may confer slightly superior effectiveness than OLO-TIO on the risk of moderate or severe exacerbation. The potential lower mortality with VIL-UME warrants further investigation.

Residual Cough and Asthma-like Symptoms Post-COVID-19 in Children.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide and is characterized by different presentations ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. COVID-19 affects all age groups, including pediatric patients. We observed numerous children complaining of a cough post-COVID-19, even if it was trivial. The most reported persistent symptoms after recovery from COVID-19 were insomnia, coughing, fatigue, dyspnea, loss of taste and/or smell, and headache. To date, residual cough post-COVID-19 has been reported in pediatrics and adolescents. we conducted a retrospective study, with a self-administered questionnaire by the patient or caregiver, 12 months post-COVID-19-infection. A total of 94.8% of patients were Saudi citizens and were mainly from the southern region of Saudi Arabia (50.0%). Mothers (64.4%) submitted most of the results. The ages were as follows: 6-14 years (51.0%), 3-5 years (32.3%), and younger than 2 years of age (only 16.7%). Females accounted for 41.7% of those studied. Nearly half of the patients (48.5%) had had a previous COVID-19 infection in 2022, with only 2.1% infected in 2019. Only 27/194 (13.9%) patients required hospital admission, and 7 of them (4.2%) required intensive care treatment. A total of 179 (92.2%) patients still reported persistent symptoms 4 weeks post-COVID-19-infection. A cough was reported in 69.8% of patients, followed by cough and wheezing in 12.3%. The cough was described as dry in 78.0% and nocturnal in 54.1%, while 42.5% did not notice any diurnal variation. For those reporting residual cough, 39.3% found that it affected school attendance and daily activities, 31.1% reported associated chest pain, 51.9% associated it with wheezing, and 27.1% associated it with shortness of breath. For 54.4%, the residual cough lasted less than one month, while 31.4% reported a 1-2 month duration. Only 1.0% had a duration of cough of more than 3 months. For cough relief, 28.2% used bronchodilators, 19.9% used cough syrup, 16.6% used a combination of bronchodilators and steroid inhalers, and 1.7% used antibiotics. Surprisingly, 33% attempted herbal remedies for cough relief. Sesame oil was used the most (40.0%), followed by a mixture of olive oil and sesame oil (25.0%), and 21.7% used male frankincense. The majority (78.4%) sought medical advice for their post-infection cough, either from general pediatricians (39.5%) or via specialist pediatric pulmonology consultations (30.9%). A total of 11.0% with a residual cough reported having pets at home, while 27.2% reported secondhand smoke exposure in the household. Before infection with COVID-19, only 32.6% were diagnosed with asthma, while 68.2% reported a diagnosis of atopic skin. There was a high prevalence of residual cough post-COVID-19, extended for a minimum of two months, and the characteristics of the cough were very similar to those of asthmatic patients. There was still a high prevalence of using cough syrup and herbal remedies, especially olive oil, sesame oil, and male frankincense. A residual cough adversely affected school attendance in daily activities, and there was a high prevalence of other siblings in the family being affected. The study showed that a minority of patients were seen by the pulmonologist; luckily, long COVID was rare in our study, and so further studies are highly needed to confirm the association with asthma. More educational programs are highly needed regarding herbal remedies and cough syrup.

Modern possibilities of correction of broncho-obstructive syndrome in chronic heart failure of ischemic origin in combination with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: simple randomized parallel group study

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of complex basic therapy for chronic heart failure (CHF) of ischemic origin in combination with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with the inclusion of prolonged bronchodilators.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 67 patients (50 men and 17 women) with CHF IIIII functional class (FC) with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 45% in combination with moderate-to-severe COPD (GOLD). The patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (n=30) received formoterol as part of therapy, group 2 (n=19) received aclidinium, and group 3 (n=18) received a fixed combination of aclidinum and formoterol. The basic therapy for CHF included nebivolol, losartan, eplerenone, diuretics, low-dose glucocorticosteroids, nitrates, and cardiac glycosides (if necessary). The clinical condition of patients, intracardiac hemodynamics, was indicated using echocardiography, a 6-min walking test (6MWT), bifunctional 24-h monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate, and spirometry. Quality of life was assessed using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire, and Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale.
 RESULTS: After 6 months of therapy, the clinical and instrumental parameters and quality of life improved in all groups. At the end of the observation period, the average FC of CHF and dyspnea severity decreased by 17.5, 18.2, 20.1 20.5, 24.2, and 28.1%, respectively. The increase in exercise tolerance was 22.1, 22.6, and 29.2%. An improvement in intracardiac hemodynamics was noted. The LVEF increased by 17.1, 20.5, and 24.6%, and the myocardial mass index decreased by 8.7, 14.2, and 17.4%. The total peripheral vascular resistance, degree of pulmonary hypertension, and duration and frequency of painless myocardial ischemia significantly decreased. The best results were obtained in group 3 using nebivolol, reninangiotensinaldosterone system antagonists, and a combination of long-acting bronchodilators. Therapy was well tolerated by all study groups, with no serious adverse side effects.
 CONCLUSION: The inclusion of nebivolol and losartan in basic therapy, while taking long-acting bronchodilators, improves the clinical and functional states of patients and quality of life, and slows down disease progression. When used in a fixed combination, the use of aclidinium and formoterol improves spirometry to a greater extent.

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema: A new horizon of smoker’s lung disease with obstructive and restrictive lung functions!

Combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) is underestimated chronic lung disease presenting with a combo of emphysema plus interstitial lung disease. CPFE is a heterogeneous lung disease documented usually in smokers which includes emphysema in the upper lobes and pulmonary fibrosis in the lower lobes. Although CPFE is commonly called as Smoker’s lung disease , a proportionate number of cases are having concurrent connective tissue disease. High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT thorax) is a gold standard investigation to evaluate CPFE due less reliability of conventional chest radiography. Pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer are two comorbidities associated with poor outcome in CPFE. Echocardiography, diffusion coefficient, and body plethysmography have documented a role in composite assessment of CPFE. Combination of bronchodilators, oxygen supplementation during rest and ambulation in selected cases and antifibrotics is having a “game changer” role in the management of CPFE.

Patterns of bronchodilator therapy in asthmatic outpatients.

Bronchodilators are used to treat asthma symptoms. The administration of this therapy can be given through monotherapy or in combination to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect. This study aimed to examine the prescribing pattern of bronchodilators in asthmatic outpatients. A retrospective study was done by reviewing and analyzing medical records of asthmatic outpatients from January 2019 until December 2020. Data analysis was performed descriptively. In this study, bronchodilators were administered by inhalation 97.4% compared to oral routes 2.6%. Combination bronchodilator therapy showed 54.7% compared to monotherapy by 46.3%. The combination ICS/LABA budesonide/formoterol 160/4.5 mcg was the most widely used 45.7%. The use of a bronchodilator was in accordance with the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. The route of drug administration through inhalation is more widely used than oral. Combination bronchodilators were more recommended than bronchodilator monotherapy to control asthma symptoms.

Bronchodilator therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: what should be considered in clinical practice when choosing a dosing regimen?

The use of long-acting bronchodilators is central to the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) therapy. One of the goals of bronchodilation is to reduce the morning COPD symptoms that are associated with a more severe disease and an increased risk of exacerbations.The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of switching COPD patients with severe morning symptoms who received combinations of long-acting bronchodilators QD to a fixed-dose combination of aclidinium bromide (AB) and formoterol fumarate (FF) BID.Methods. We examined COPD patients treated with combinations of long-acting β2-agonists and M-anticholinergics (but not AB and FF), who continued to complain of severe symptoms in the morning despite the treatment. After examination, the patients were switched to the fixed-dose combination of AB 0.4 mg and FF 0.012 mg (AB/FF) BID in the form of a metered-dose powder inhaler. The patients were examined at baseline and at 6-month follow-up.Results. Of the 115 included COPD patients, 90 completed the study. After 6 months of treatment, they showed a significant decrease in the intensity of cough, sputum amount, severity of distant wheezing, and shortness of breath in the morning (–0.88, –0.38, –0.29, –0.58 on a 4-point scale, the mean score –0.44; p < 0.001). The result of the COPD Assessment test decreased from 28 (24; 34) to 24 (20; 28) (p = 0.011), the distance of a 6-minute walk increased from 319 ± 72 to 354 ± 67 m (p < 0.001). The fixed-dose combination of AB/FF did not cause serious adverse events.Conclusion. The fixed-dose AB/FF combination in COPD patients resulted in a significant clinical improvement and was well tolerated. The AB/FF combination with twice daily dosing regimen is advisable for the patients with morning symptoms persisting despite therapy with other combinations of long-acting bronchodilators with once daily dosing regimen.

Intensive critical care and management of asthmatic and smoker patients in COVID-19 infection.

This century's most serious catastrophe, COVID-19, has been dubbed "the most life-threatening disaster ever". Asthmatic persons are even more prone to COVID-19's complex interplay with the underlying inflammatory condition. In order to protect themselves against COVID-19, asthmatic patients must be very vigilant in their usage of therapeutic techniques and drugs (e.g., bronchodilators, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors), which may be accessed to deal with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 indications. People with asthma may have more severe COVID-19 symptoms, which may lead to a worsening of their condition. Several cytokines were found to be elevated in the bronchial tracts of patients with acute instances of COVID-19, suggesting that this ailment may aggravate asthma episodes by increasing inflammation. The intensity of COVID-19 symptoms is lessened in patients with asthma who have superior levels of T-cells. Several antibiotics, antivirals, antipyretics, and anti-inflammatory drugs have been suggested to suppress COVID-19 symptoms in asthmatic persons. Furthermore, smokers are more likely to have aggravated repercussions in COVID-19 infection. Being hospitalized to critical care due to COVID-19, needing mechanical breathing, and suffering from serious health repercussions, are all possible outcomes for someone who has previously smoked. Smoking damages airways and alveoli, which significantly raises the risk of COVID-19-related health complications. Patients with a previous record of smoking are predisposed to severe COVID-19 disease symptoms that essentially require a combination of bronchodilators, mucolytics, antivirals, and antimuscarinic drugs, to cope with the situation. The present review discusses the care and management of asthmatic and smoker patients in COVID-19 infection.

Функціональний стан дихальної системи у хворих із задишкою, які перенесли негоспітальну пневмонію, асоційовану з COVID-19

Функціональний стан дихальної системи у хворих із задишкою, які перенесли негоспітальну пневмонію, асоційовану з COVID-19

Double broncholytic combination of umeclidnium/ vilanterol in COPD therapy: issues of efficacy and safety

Inhaled bronchodilators are the basis of pharmacological therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bronchodilation can be reached in two different ways: by stimulation of β2 -adrenoreceptors and inhibition of M3-cholinoreceptors. Combined long acting bronchodilators show additional effect on lung function and clinical outcomes of the disease. This article covers the issues of efficacy and safety of different combined bronchodilators. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by the limitation of air flow velocity, which is reversible incompletely. The restriction of air flow velocity is usually progressive and is associated with inflammatory response of the lungs to pathogenic particles or gases, with tobacco smoking being the main cause. COPD leads to a number of significant systemic effects that can worsen the course of the disease. It is important that COPD can be prevented and treated. The Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) considers long-acting inhaled bronchodilators as the basis for long-term maintenance therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. GOLD recommends the use of both long-acting anticholinergic drugs (LAMA) and long-acting β2-agonists (LABA) in all categories of patients, including as the first line in people with severe symptoms and low risk of exacerbations. bronchodilators reduce the severity of shortness of breath and other symptoms of the disease, and also increase exercise tolerance. The individual components have different application points: LAMA inhibit the effect of acetylcholine mainly on M1- and M3-muscarinic receptors, LABA stimulate β2-adrenergic receptors, increasing the content of intracellular cAMP and causing bronchodilation. Both classes of drugs potentiate each other’s activity, increasing the relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the bronchi.

Assessing Severity of Chronic Obstructive lung disease (COPD) Using CAT score among high altitude residents of Nepal

Introduction: The goal of this study was to see if the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Assessment Test (CAT) score was beneficial in determining the severity of COPD patients. It produces a score that reflects the impact of the condition on their health status. GOLD guideline (2013) recommends CAT above other respiratory questionnaires since it is regarded to be a better assessment tool.
 Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla (Nepal) who presented with COPD exacerbation. A validated CAT questionnaire in the local language (Nepali) was employed and completed by the patient, and then the total CAT score was calculated and grouped into four impact levels. Data was evaluated using descriptive statistics (such as percentage and mean) and Pearson’s correlation tests to compare means.
 Results: Out of 55 patients, 52.7% were females; all 55 had firewood exposure with current smoking history more prevalent in the high-impact group 0.5%. At 3 months, the median number of COPD exacerbations was 2 (range: 0–90) with median CAT score 30 (range: 17–37). Patients were divided into severity groups based on their CAT scores. 47.3% were in the high impact group, whereas none were in the low impact group. The “very high impact” group had a considerably higher median number of exacerbations than the other high impact and medium groups (5 vs. 2 and 0) respectively with p<0.001. In the “very high impact” group, significant use of inhalers in form of salbutamol or long-acting bronchodilators in combination with steroid was seen.
 Conclusions: CAT is an independent severity score that is higher in frequent exacerbates. The “very high impact” group had a considerably higher median number of exacerbations than the other groups (5 vs. 2 and 0) respectively with a significant p<0.001 value. Thus, useful in monitoring patients health status and treatment.