Identification of responders to inhaled corticosteroids in a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease population using cluster analysis

Conclusions In patients with COPD with a history of exacerbations, those with greater blood eosinophils or a lower smoking history may benefit more from ICS/LABA versus LABA alone as measured by a reduced rate of exacerbations. In terms of eosinophils, this finding is consistent with findings from other studies; however, the validity of the 2.4% cut-off and the impact of smoking history require further investigation. Trial registration numbers NCT01009463; NCT01017952; Post-results.
Source: BMJ Open - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Open access, Epidemiology, Evidence based practice, Patient-centred medicine, Respiratory medicine Research Source Type: research