Benefits of ICS for COPD May Be Overstated
News Briefs from the February Issue of CHEST
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are widely used for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, new research suggests that ICS may only provide a modest benefit in reducing exacerbations in patients with COPD. Researchers from India conducted a metaanalysis of 11 studies (8,164 patients) that reported the efficacy of ICS versus placebo in prevention of COPD exacerbations. The use of ICS was associated with a modest reduction in the occurrence of exacerbations, with a subgroup analysis revealing only a benefit in patients with a FEV1 less than 50 percent. Upon further analysis using metaregression, the researchers found no demonstrable linear relationship between the efficacy of ICS and prevention of COPD exacerbation that was related to the level of stable lung function. Researchers conclude that the role of ICS in preventing COPD exacerbations warrants reexamination. This article is published in the February issue of CHEST, the peer–reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.
