Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Management and Follow up.
- Recommendations
Section 1: Risk factors Recommendations:
· 1a. We recommend Smoking cessation interventions as the most important intervention to prevent worsening and reduce mortality in COPD patients, as smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD development. (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
Remarks
- Cigarette smoking is a key environmental risk factor for COPD
- Other types of tobacco (e.g., pipe, cigar, water pipe) and marijuana are also risk factors for COPD.
- Passive exposure to cigarette smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), may also contribute to respiratory symptoms and COPD.
- Smoking during pregnancy poses a risk for the fetus. (5)
Summary of evidence
- An RCT meta-analysis studies presented suggestive evidence that smoking cessation offered significant benefits to COPD patients, notably in the improvement of specific key indicators of pulmonary function (FEV1% predicted, FEV1/FVC), alleviating symptoms, enhancing exercise tolerance, and could reduce mortality. (6)
- A significant volume of research associates COPD with an abnormal inflammatory response to the inhaled products of cigarette combustion. However, most smokers respond to the inhalation of cigarettes with inflammation, but not all develop airflow limitations, suggesting that other mechanisms may be responsible. These mechanisms include: 1) an imbalance between proteases and antiproteases; 2) an abnormal immunological reaction that results in some degree of autoimmunity and lung destruction; and 3) uncontrolled autophagy, enhanced apoptosis, and/or a process of accelerated lung aging. (7)
- A wide variety of studies showed Cigarette smokers have a higher prevalence of symptoms and lung function abnormalities, a greater annual rate of decline in FEV1, and greater COPD mortality rate than non-smokers. (8)
Rationale for the recommendation
- Smokers should be provided with counseling when attempting to quit.
- If possible, the patient should be referred to a comprehensive smoking cessation program that incorporates behavior change techniques that enhance patient motivation and confidence, patient education, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions
Section 2- Diagnosis recommendations
· 2a. We recommend using pragmatic case-finding algorithm (annex 1,2) to enable accurate COPD diagnoses for most populations with a thorough history and examination for COPD as the first step to diagnosis. (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
Remarks:
- Main symptoms of COPD are breathlessness, cough and sputum production. Patients often attribute breathlessness to ageing or lack of fitness.
- Dyspnea is mainly progressive, exertional and persistent
- A persistent cough, typically worse in the mornings with mucoid sputum, is common in smokers. Chronic cough in COPD may be productive or unproductive. (9)
Summary of evidence:
- A meta-analysis of eight studies of the CAT questionnaire demonstrates moderately strong predictive values for aspects of COPD including a valid diagnosis, likelihood of exacerbations, depression, lung function and mortality. Confirming Dyspnea is a cardinal symptom of COPD and a major cause of the disability and anxiety associated with the disease. (1)
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Findings from the ASSESS study showed that overall health status, as defined by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), was significantly lower in the cohort of patients who had at least one COPD symptom versus the cohort that reported no COPD symptoms, and this trend was observed consistently in the early morning, daytime, and nighttime (p < 0.001, each). (10)
- Chronic cough is often the first symptom of COPD and is frequently discounted by the patient as consequence of smoking and/or environmental exposures. Cough may be intermittent, but it may be present every day, often throughout the day. Real-world data suggest that COPD early-morning and nighttime symptoms are significantly more likely to have worse health-related quality of life than those without. (5)
- 1-year follow-up data showed that deterioration in health-related quality of life was associated with significant increases in COPD respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, coughing, and expectoration. (9)
- Survey data from patients COPD identified increased coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and increased sputum production as exacerbation symptoms that had the greatest impact on their wellbeing (42%, 37%, 37%, and 35%, respectively) It should be noted that there is only a weak correlation between FEV1, symptoms and impairment of a patient’s health status. For this reason, symptomatic assessment is required. (11)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- COPD should be considered in any patient who has dyspnea, chronic cough or sputum production, a history of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and/or a history of exposure to risk factors for the disease.
- Using symptoms based initial diagnosis is important as screening method to identify patients who need spirometry.
- Clinical features and/or chest x-ray alone are not sufficient to diagnose COPD
· 2b. We recommend using spirometry results showing post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio <0.7 for COPD diagnosis. (annex 3) (Strong recommendation – low level of evidence)
Remarks:
- Well-performed spirometry is required for a COPD diagnosis. As COPD is defined by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible with bronchodilators (post-bronchodilator FEV1 / FVC ratio <0.7) confirms the presence of persistent airflow limitation. (1).
- There is a marked discordance between the level of airflow obstruction and the perceived symptoms, so more detailed evaluation should be carried out to better understand lung mechanics (e.g., full lung function tests and exercise testing), lung structure (e.g., CT tomography) and/or comorbidities (e.g., ischemic heart disease) that might impact patient symptoms.(12)
Summary of evidence:
- Spirometry criterion for airflow obstruction remains post-bronchodilator ratio of FEV1/FVC < 0.7. however, GOLD 2026 recommends pre-bronchodilator spirometry can exclude COPD, while post-bronchodilator measurement is needed to diagnose COPD This criterion is simple and independent of reference values because it relates to variables measured in the same individual and has been used in all the clinical trials that form the evidence base from which treatment recommendations are drawn.This will reduce clinical workload. Post-BD results close to the threshold should be repeated to ensure a correct diagnosis is made. Post-BD measurements ensure that volume responders are not overlooked and limit COPD overdiagnosis. (1)
- The classification of airflow limitation severity in COPD as uses specific spirometry cut points for purposes of simplicity. GOLD 1,2,3. This GOLD Science Committee review weighs the evidence for using pre- or post-bronchodilator (BD) spirometry to diagnose COPD. (11)
- Cohort studies have shown that pre- and post-BD spirometry give concordant diagnostic results in most cases, although the prevalence of COPD is up to 36% lower with post-BD values. Discordant results may occur in “volume” or “flow” responders. Volume responders have reduced FVC due to gas trapping causing FEV1/FVC ≥0.7 pre-BD, but a volume response occurs post-BD with a greater improvement in FVC relative to FEV1 decreasing the ratio to <0.7. (13)
- ECLIPSE and other studies showed Flow responders show a greater FEV1 improvement relative to FVC which may increase FEV1/FVC from <0.7 pre-BD to ≥0.7 post-BD; these individuals have an increased likelihood of developing post-BD obstruction during follow-up and require monitoring longitudinally. (11)
- Consideration of spirometry in COPD assessment (annex 1, 2, 3) (1)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- Use of spirometry is crucial for purpose of COPD assessment to determine the level of airflow limitation, the impact of disease on the patient’s health status, and the risk of future events (such as exacerbations, hospital admissions, or death), in order to guide therapy.
- Spirometry should be performed after the administration of an adequate dose of at least one short-acting inhaled bronchodilator to minimize variability.
- Documenting a post-bronchodilator spirometry test result in the clinical records of all patients with COPD is a practice goal for follow up.
- For borderline lung function results, (the post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio is between 0.60 and 0.80) on a single spirometric measurement, this should be confirmed by repeat spirometry on a separate occasion.
· 2c. We recommend regular comprehensive assessment of functional status and impact of COPD as validated assessment tools such as: COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council) Dyspnea Scale to measure dyspnea. (annex 4) (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
Remarks:
- Once the diagnosis of COPD has been confirmed by spirometry, to guide therapy COPD assessment must focus on determining the following 4 fundamental aspects: (Severity of airflow limitation, Nature and magnitude of current symptoms, Previous history of moderate and severe exacerbations, Presence and type of other multimorbidity.(1)
- Dyspnea questionnaire: modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale was the first questionnaire developed to measure breathlessness, which is a key symptom in many patients with COPD, although often unrecognized. While CAT is an 8-item questionnaire that assesses health status in patients with COPD annex 4
Summary of evidence:
- Based on Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis About Clinical Outcomes Prediction, The most comprehensive disease-specific health status questionnaires such as the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)are important research tools, but they are too complex to use in routine practice. So shorter comprehensive measures, such as COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and The COPD Control Questionnaire (CCQ) have been developed and are suitable for use in clinic. (10,14,15)
- As assessed by many studies There is good correlation between CAT and mMRC scores (1)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- The mMRC score relates well to other multidimensional health status measures and predicts future mortality risk.
· 2d. In cases with a large increase in post-bronchodilator FEV1 (with greater confidence if increase is >15% and >400 mL) that suggests asthma or coexisting asthma and COPD, we recommend considering patient history, pattern of symptoms, and investigations like eosinophils level to confirm diagnosis of COPD. (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
Remarks:
- Inspiratory and/or expiratory wheezes and chest tightness are symptoms that may vary between days, and over the course of a single day. Alternatively, widespread inspiratory or expiratory wheezes can be present on auscultation.
- An absence of wheezing or chest tightness does not exclude a diagnosis of COPD, nor does the presence of these symptoms confirm a diagnosis of asthma (1)
Summary of evidence:
- Some patients may have coexisting COPD and asthma (Global Initiative for Asthma.(5)
- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis study revealed that Airflow limitation in COPD is irreversible and progressive, while conversely, it is usually reversible in asthma. FEV1% pred, as a key indicator of small airway function, is applied in assessing the severity of airflow limitation in COPD and the extent of variation for airflow limitation in asthma (16)
- Long-standing or poorly controlled asthma can lead to chronic, irreversible airway narrowing even in non-smokers, thought to be due to airway remodeling resulting from uncontrolled airway wall inflammation with release of cytokines and mediators.(17)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- Patients with COPD and features of asthma should receive inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy (to treat the asthma component), as well as long-acting bronchodilators.
- LABA monotherapy without ICS should be avoided in patients who have a component of asthma
· 2e. We advise using a person-centered systematic approach rather than a single-disease approach based on the ‘4Ms’ for elderly patients with chronic non-communicable diseases: Mentation, Mobility, Medications and Morbidities to manage COPD patients. (annex 5,6) (Conditional recommendation, low level of evidence)
Remarks:
- Concomitant chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, skeletal muscle dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, depression, anxiety, and lung cancer.
- Further investigations to consider include:
- COPD <40 years of age require further testing ie Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AAT)
- Chest x-ray (posteroanterior and lateral).
- Chest CT (not always required) can help detect emphysema and bronchiectasis and should be ordered if any red flag symptoms such as hemoptysis are present to exclude malignancy.
- In High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scanning, the presence of emphysema and size and number of bullae can be determined. This is necessary if bullectomy or lung reduction surgery is being contemplated.
- HRCT is also appropriate for detecting bronchiectasis. Vertical reconstructions can provide a virtual bronchogram.
- Helical computed tomography (CT) scans with intravenous contrast should be used in other circumstances, such as for investigating and staging lung cancer. (annex 5)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Cardiopulmonary exercise tests may be useful to differentiate between breathlessness resulting from cardiac or respiratory disease especially in cases of unexplained breathlessness
- Suspected sleep disorder (history of snoring, witnessed apnoea or excessive daytime sleepiness) needs sleep study
Summary of evidence:
- By real-world observational retrospective cohort study, comorbidities should be treated appropriately when present as they can influence mortality and hospitalization independently. (18)
- experts reached consensus on 73 recommendations and 81 conclusions on the clinical consequences of the presence of comorbidities. In general, the experts reached consensus on cardiovascular comorbidity and metabolic disorders. Consensus was reached on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in cases of depression and the usefulness of referring patients with anxiety to respiratory rehabilitation programmes. (19)
- The presence of comorbidities impacts negatively on COPD patients, reducing quality of life and increasing the probability of hospital admission and mortality. Indeed, the presence of more than 1 comorbidity more than doubles the risk of mortality, and many patients with COPD die because of their comorbidities rather than their COPD, particularly in the mild and moderate phases (19,20)
- Results also showed consensus on usefulness of investigating quality of sleep, the treatment of pain with opioids and the evaluation of osteoporosis by lateral chest radiography. (20)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- CT pulmonary angiograms and echocardiography are useful for investigating possible pulmonary embolism and/or pulmonary hypertension
- Assessment for lung transplantation, lung volume reduction surgery, or bronchoscopy lung volume reduction are crucial in management and require further investigations.
· 2f. We strongly recommend Regular assessment COPD symptoms and exacerbation risk by Combined initial COPD assessment (ABE GOLD) (annex 7) (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
Remarks:
- Airflow limitation, COPD symptoms, and exacerbation risk should be assessed regularly, as they relate to prognosis and can guide COPD management strategies and treatment decisions.
- The initial version of the combined assessment relied on both the severity of airflow obstruction (GOLD grades 1-4) and the frequency of previous exacerbations to assess exacerbation risk was modified to new proposal. A and B groups are unchanged, but C and D groups are now merged into a single group termed “E” to highlight the clinical relevance of exacerbations annex 7
Summary of evidence:
- A Systematic literature review that included data from 76 studies included, 61 were observational and 15 were randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), Exacerbation history was the strongest predictor of future exacerbations, with 34 studies reporting a significant association between history of exacerbations and risk of future moderate or severe exacerbations. (21)
- In retrospective registry analyse (73 189 patients) by large-scale, real-world observational and retrospective cohort data study , The updated “GOLD ABE Assessment Tool” has highlighted the importance of COPD exacerbations by dissociating the presence of the “exacerbator” phenotype from the symptomatic burden and grouping all exacerbators together irrespective of presence and intensity of symptoms, thus giving priority to the presence of exacerbations over the respiratory symptoms. (22, 23)
- Severity of airflow obstruction was subsequently removed from this combined assessment scheme considering its lower precision at individual level (versus that at population level) to predict outcomes and drive treatment decisions, while complexifying classification by clinicians. (1, 24)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- combined assessment strategy used to incorporate patient-reported outcomes and highlight the importance of exacerbation prevention in the management of COPD.
Section 3- treatment recommendations
A. Pharmacological Treatment Recommendations
· 3Aa. We strongly recommend using a stepwise approach using initial therapy revised by management cycle then follow up treatment if needed to Optimize COPD treatment pharmacotherapy. (annex 8,9,10) (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
Remarks:
-Goals for treatment of stable COPD is to:
Reduce symptoms (Relive symptoms., Improve exercise tolerance, improve health status.) and Reduce risk (Prevent disease progression, Prevent and treat exacerbations, Reduce mortality) (1)
- Stepwise Approach for initial assessment, initiation and follow-up management of pharmacology (1)
a- initial COPD assessment (ABE GOLD)
b- initial nonpharmacological management should address reducing exposure to risk factors including smoking Cessation, Vaccination should be offered, and patients should receive general advice on healthy living, including diet, and that physical exercise is safe and encouraged for people with COPD. (1)
c- Initial pharmacotherapy should be based on the patient’s GOLD group, and Patients should be offered guidance on self-management of breathlessness, and stress management, and they should be given a written action plan. Comorbidities should also be managed as per specific guidelines, irrespective of the presence of COPD (1,25, 26)
d- Management cycle: Following implementation of therapy, patients should be reassessed by Management cycle: reviewed after a suitable interval (shorter in more severe patients and longer in less severe patients) and their current level of symptoms (using either the CAT or mMRC scores) and exacerbation frequency assessed. The effect of treatment and possible adverse effects should be evaluated, and comorbidities reassessed. (27)
e- Follow up treatment: Following review of patient response to treatment initiation, adjustments in pharmacological treatment may be needed ie. FOLLOW-UP treatment, where the management is based on two key treatable traits: persistence of dyspnea and occurrence of exacerbations. (annex 8,9,10)
Summary of evidence:
- INITIATION of pharmacological management of COPD according to the individualized assessment of symptoms and exacerbation risk following ABE assessment scheme. It is an attempt to provide clinical guidance. There is no high-quality evidence such as randomized controlled trials to support initial pharmacological treatment strategies in newly diagnosed COPD patients. (1,28)
- Many RCTs support Treatment escalated/de-escalated regimen based on the presence of the predominant symptoms (treatable traits) of breathlessness and exercise limitation, and the continued occurrence of exacerbations whilst on maintenance therapy.(25, 27)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- Tailored approach to initiate treatment based on the level of symptoms and risk for exacerbations.
- use of peripheral blood eosinophil counts as a biomarker to guide the use of ICS therapy for exacerbation prevention . Extensive data from large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (mostly through prespecified and post-hoc analyses) demonstrate a direct, continuous correlation: as the baseline BEC rises, the clinical benefit of ICS in reducing exacerbations increases proportionally. (29,30) (annex 11)
· 3Ab: In COPD patients who complain of dyspnea or exercise intolerance, we strongly recommend LABA/LAMA combination therapy over LABA or LAMA monotherapy. (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
Remarks:
- Combining bronchodilators with different mechanisms and durations of action may increase the degree of bronchodilation with a lower risk of side-effects compared to increasing the dose of a single bronchodilator.
- Combinations of SABAs and SAMAs are superior compared to either medication alone in improving FEV1 and symptoms.
- Combinations of LABA - LAMA in single inhaler are available.
Summary of evidence:
- According to 24 RCTs, Critical outcomes. Prioritization resulted in ranking hospital admissions, dyspnea, exacerbations, health-related QOL, and treatment-related adverse events. There was a statistically significant decrease in exacerbations and hospital admissions in patients receiving dual therapy as opposed to monotherapy. The evidence also showed statistically significant improvements in dyspnea and QOL with dual therapy. (2,31,32)
- In addition, the available studies did not reveal any evidence of harm with dual therapy compared with monotherapy (2)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- Patients would opt for dual therapy over monotherapy combinations of LABA and LAMA improve lung function, dyspnea and QOL and reduce exacerbations.
· 3Ac: In COPD patients who complain of dyspnea or exercise intolerance despite dual therapy with LABA/LAMA, We strongly recommend triple therapy with ICS/LABA/LAMA over dual therapy with LABA/LAMA in those patients with a history of one or more exacerbations in the past year requiring antibiotics or oral steroids or hospitalization. (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
Remarks:
- benefits of triple therapy with ICS/LABA/LAMA outweigh the risks as compared with treatment with LABA/LAMA dual therapy in patients with COPD
- COPD patients who complain of dyspnea or exercise intolerance despite dual therapy and have experienced one or more exacerbations in the past year are eligible for triple therapy
- Symptomatic patients with COPD and a history of exacerbations, the benefits of triple therapy in protecting against the risk of future exacerbations outweighed the increased risk of pneumonia.
Summary of evidence:
- Two large one-year randomized controlled trials reviewed below (named IMPACT and ETHOS) provide new evidence on mortality reduction with fixed-dose inhaled triple combinations compared to dual bronchodilation. (2,33,34)
- A post-hoc pooled analysis of three triple therapy clinical trials in COPD patients with severe airflow obstruction and a history of exacerbations showed a non-significant trend for lower mortality (assessed as a safety outcome) with triple inhaled therapy compared to non-ICS based treatments. (2,35)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- Step up in inhaled treatment to LABA plus LAMA plus ICS (triple therapy) can occur by various approaches and has been shown to improve lung function, patient reported outcomes and reduce exacerbations when compared to LAMA alone, LABA+LAMA and LABA+ICS.
· 3Ad: In COPD patients who are receiving triple therapy (ICS/LABA/LAMA), we suggest withdrawing ICS if the patient has had no exacerbations in the past year. (conditional recommendation - low level of evidence)
- Studies and meta-analysis assessing the effect of regular treatment with ICS alone on mortality in patients with COPD have not provided conclusive evidence of benefit. (2,36)
- In the TORCH trial, a trend toward higher mortality was observed for patients treated with fluticasone propionate alone compared to those receiving placebo or salmeterol plus fluticasone propionate combination. (37)
- However, an increase in mortality was not observed in COPD patients treated with fluticasone furoate in the Survival in COPD with Heightened Cardiovascular Risk (SUMMIT) trial. Also, in moderate COPD, fluticasone furoate alone or in combination with vilanterol was associated with slower decline in FEV1 compared with placebo or vilanterol alone by on average ml/year. (38)
· 3Ae: In COPD patients with a history of one or more exacerbations in the past year requiring antibiotics or oral steroids or hospitalization, we suggest ICS as an additive therapy on a LABA+LAMA combination. (strong recommendation, high level of evidence). (annex 12, 13,14) (1)
· Remarks
- use of blood eosinophil counts to predict ICS effects should always be combined with clinical assessment of exacerbation risk (as indicated by the previous history of exacerbations). Other factors (smoking status, ethnicity, geographical location) could influence the relationship between ICS effect and blood eosinophil count (29,30)
· Summary of evidence:
- Many RCTs randomized controlled trial as IMPACT, ETHOS and TRIBUTE studies has demonstrated the treatment effect of ICS containing regimens (LABA+LAMA+ICS and LABA+ICS vs LABA+LAMA) is higher in patients with high exacerbation risk (≥ 2 exacerbations and / or 1 hospitalization in the previous year).(1, 33,34)
Summary of treatment. (appendix 10)
Group A:
- All patients in group A should be offered bronchodilator treatment based on its effect on breathlessness. This can be either a short- or a long-acting bronchodilator. If available and affordable, a long-acting bronchodilator is the preferred choice except for patients with very occasional breathlessness. This should be continued if benefit is documented. (1)
Group B:
- Treatment should be initiated with a LABA+LAMA combination. It has been shown in a RCT that in patients with ≤ documented. ((xacerbation in the year before the study and a CAAT™ ≥ 10 LABA+LAMA is superior to a LAMA with regard to several endpoints. Therefore, providing there are no issues regarding availability, cost and side-effects LABA+LAMA is the recommended initial pharmacological choice. (1, 39)
- If a LABA+LAMA combination is not considered appropriate, there is no evidence to recommend one class of long-acting bronchodilators over another (LABA or LAMA) for initial relief of symptoms in this group of patients. In the individual patient, the choice should depend on the patient’s perception of symptom relief. (1)
- Patients in group B likely to have comorbidities that may add to symptomatology and impact on their prognosis, and these possibilities should be investigated and treated, (40,41)
Group E:
- A Cochrane systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing dual combination therapy versus mono long-acting bronchodilators showed that the LABA+LAMA combination was the highest ranked treatment group to reduce exacerbations. Therefore, provided there are no issues regarding availability, cost and side-effects LABA+LAMA is the preferred choice for initial therapy of patients in group E. (1,42)
- Use of LABA+ICS in COPD is not encouraged. If there is an indication for an ICS, then LABA+LAMA+ICS has been shown to be superior to LABA+ICS and is therefore the preferred choice. (1, 43,44)
- Consider LABA+LAMA+ICS as initial therapy in group E if eosinophil counts are ≥ 300 cells/μL (practical recommendation). The effect of ICS on exacerbation prevention is correlated to blood eosinophil count . There are no direct data in the literature concerning initiation of triple therapy in newly diagnosed patients. (1)
- Available studies performed mostly in treated patients provide a rationale for considering this treatment option as initial therapy for patients with a high eosinophil count (≥ 300 cells/μL).(1)
- Rescue short-acting bronchodilators should be prescribed to all patients for immediate symptom relief.(1)
- If patients with COPD have concomitant asthma they should be treated like patients with asthma. Under these circumstances the use of an ICS is mandatory.(1)
· 3Af. We strongly recommend Regularly check inhaler technique and adherence. (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
Remarks:
- Principals for appropriate inhalation device choice: Availability of the drug in the device. Patients’ belief satisfaction with current and previous devices and preferences need to be assessed and considered.
- The number of different devices should be minimized for each patient. Ideally, only one device type should be used.
- Device type should not be switched in the absence of clinical justification nor without proper information, education and medical follow up.
- Shared decision making as the most appropriate strategy for inhalation device choice patient’s cognition, dexterity and strength must be considered.
- Patient’s ability to perform the correct specific inhalation manoeuver for the device must be assessed.
Summary of evidence:
- Incorrect inhaler techniques are common and are associated with worse outcomes. (1)
- A systematic review of many RCTs and articles reporting direct observation of inhaler techniques in COPD and asthma reported that the overall prevalence of optimal inhaler technique was only 31% (95% CI 28 to 35%), and that this pattern had not improved over 40 years. (45)
- Common errors were identified, for the MDI these were poor coordination (45%; 95% CI 41 to 49%), inadequate speed and/or depth of inspiration (44%; 95% CI 40 to 47%), and the absence of post inhalation breath-hold (46%; 95% CI 42 to 49%). For the DPI, common errors included incorrect preparation in 29% (95% CI 26-33%), inadequate expiration before inhalation in 46% (95% CI 42 to 50%), and the absence of post inhalation breath-hold in 37% (95% CI 33-40%) (1,39).
- These data highlight the importance of inhalation technique education. (1, 46)
Rationale for the recommendation:
- Dry powder inhalers are appropriate only if the patient can make a forceful and deep inhalation.
- Metered dose inhalers and to lesser extent, soft mist inhalers require coordination between device triggering and inhalation and patients need to be able to perform a slow and deep inhalation.
- For patients unable to use MDI (with or without spacer/VHC), SMI or DPI a nebulizer should be considered.
- Other factors should be considered include size, portability, cost. Smart inhalers may be useful if there are issues with adherence / persistence or inhalation technique.
· 3Ag. we suggest using long-term macrolide antibiotics in people with moderate to severe COPD and frequent exacerbations (Conditional recommendation low level of evidence)
· Remarks:
- long-term use of macrolides is recommended by the British Thoracic Society and GOLD for COPD patients.
- Excessive production of mucus is a hallmark in COPD patients; increased mucus secretion is linked to a negative impact on their QOL
- The severity of phlegm production and productive cough is associated with more frequent COPD exacerbations, increased breathlessness, and a further decline in patient-reported QOL.
- Azithromycin’s potential to reduce the expression and release of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) from airway epithelial goblet cells, triggered by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), has been recognized
· Summary of evidence:
- meta-analysis included (9 RCTs randomized controlled trials involving 1965 patients. The analysis revealed an odds ratio (OR) of 0.34 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19, 0.59, p < 0.001) for the reduction in exacerbation frequency. (1,47)
- Long-term use of azithromycin or erythromycin suppresses COPD exacerbations, and previous studies have supported the advantages of a 12-month macrolide prescription over a placebo (1)
· Rationale for the recommendation:
- Long-term efficacy of using macrolides in patients with stable COPD.
- Macrolides effectively reduce the risk of exacerbation and hospitalization without causing obvious adverse effects.
· 3Ah. We suggest considering biological therapy in COPD people with frequent exacerbations (Conditional recommendation, low level of evidence) (annex 15)
· Remarks:
- Dupilumab is fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks shared receptor component for interleukin-4 and interleukin-13 By blocking type 2 inflammation more broadly, dupilumab may produce clinical benefit in patients COPD. (1)
- Mepolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets IL-5. Across three phase III, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials, patients with COPD, a history of two or more moderate exacerbations or one or more severe exacerbation(s) in the last year despite treatment with LABA+LAMA+ICS, from GOLD 2-4, with and without chronic bronchitis, and blood eosinophil count of ≥ 300 cells/μL who received mepolizumab for 52 to 104 weeks and had fewer moderate or severe exacerbations and a reduction in exacerbations leading to ED visits or hospitalizations (Figure 3.11).(1)
· Summary of evidence:
- Among patients with COPD who had type 2 inflammation as indicated by elevated blood eosinophil counts, those who received dupilumab had fewer exacerbations, better lung function and quality of life, and less severe respiratory symptoms than those who received placebo (1,48)
- In two RCTs large, phase III, double-blind, randomized trials, patients with COPD, chronic bronchitis, a history of two or more moderate exacerbations or one or more severe exacerbation(s) in the last year despite treatment with LABA+LAMA+ICS, from GOLD 2-3, and blood eosinophil count of ≥ 300 cells/μL who received dupilumab had fewer exacerbations, annualized rate of moderate or severe exacerbations decreased, better lung function (over 52 weeks prebronchodilator FEV1 increased from baseline to week 12) and improved health status(SGRQ score had improved), moreover the numbers of patients with adverse events that led to discontinuation of dupilumab or placebo, serious adverse events, and adverse events that led to death were balanced in the two groups.(1, 48, 49)
- Add-on benralizumab was not associated with a lower annualized rate of COPD exacerbations than placebo among patients with moderate to very severe COPD, a history of frequent moderate or severe exacerbations, and blood eosinophil counts of 220 per cubic millimeter or greater (50)
· Rationale for the recommendation:
- Although COPD has long been recognized as involving an amplified innate immune response, there is growing recognition that some patients with this disease have type 2 inflammation. Evidence of type 2 inflammation is present in 20 to 40% of patients with COPD and is associated with an increased risk of exacerbation. (49)
B. Nonpharmacological Treatment Recommendations (annex 16)
· 3Ba. We strongly recommend non-pharmacological strategies such as pulmonary rehabilitation and regular exercise to anyone with COPD to improve quality of life, exercise capacity, and reduce COPD exacerbations. (annex 16) (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
· Remarks:
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is defined as “a comprehensive intervention based on thorough patient assessment followed by patient-tailored therapies that include exercise training, education, self-management intervention aiming at behavior change, designed to improve the physical and psychological condition of people with chronic respiratory disease and to promote the long-term adherence to health-enhancing behaviors.
· Summary of evidence:
- Systematic reviews (such as the one analyzing 20-21 RCTs and 1,274 participants) demonstrate that early pulmonary rehabilitation is highly beneficial for hospitalized COPD patients that reduces hospitalization for exacerbations of COPD (51)
- Wide range studies including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), reveals the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation include a reduction in symptoms (dyspnea and fatigue), anxiety and depression, and improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), peripheral muscle function and exercise capacity. Following pulmonary rehabilitation, participants have been shown to gain an enhanced sense of control over their condition(52)
- large cohort study of 2,398 individuals with COPD patients recruited as part of Health Surveys provide data demonstrating a reduction in mortality (1)
· Rationale for the recommendation:
- The benefits to COPD patients from pulmonary rehabilitation are considerable, and rehabilitation has been shown to be the most effective therapeutic strategy to improve shortness of breath, health status and exercise tolerance.
· 3Bb. we suggest using Lung volume reduction (surgical and endobronchial) to enhance lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life. (annex 17) (Conditional recommendation, low level of evidence)
· Remarks:
- Lung volume reduction treatment has been shown to be a highly effective therapy for select patients with advanced emphysema and severe hyperinflation.
- Currently, the most important bronchoscopy options are treatment with one-way valves or endobronchial coils; both treatments are currently recommended in GOLD guidelines
- By reducing hyperinflation, the function of the diaphragm and chest wall mechanics is improved, expiratory airflow increases and gas exchange can improve
· Summary of evidence:
- multiple (RCTs randomized controlled studies,, revealed that Treatment with endobronchial one-way valves has proven to be effective in with clinically meaningful benefits in lung function, dyspnea, quality of life and exercise tolerance (53)
- In total 1471 patients included, median survival time of patients who were treated with BLVR was significantly longer compared to patients who were not treated with BLVR (and BLVR was found to be an independent predictor of survival when adjusting for other survival-influencing factors such as age, gender or severity of disease. (54)
- However, research is ongoing to predict optimal responders; treatment appears to be more successful in patients with even higher baseline RV (>200% predicted),higher emphysema score, absence of airway disease (24)
· Rationale for the recommendation:
- lung volume reduction in patients with severe emphysema on maximal medical treatment has clinically benefits.
· 3Bc. we suggest encouraging vaccination to reduce risks associated with influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2), pertussis, and varicella zoster. (annex 18) (Conditional recommendation, low level of evidence)
· Remarks:
- GOLD recommendation advocates for vaccination against influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2), pertussis, and varicella zoster.
- Aside from viruses, bacterial infections are also prevalent in COPD patients. Pulmonary and systemic invasive infection due to Streptococcus pneumoniae are significant contributors to hospitalization and mortality.
· Summary of evidence:
- Meta-analysis estimated that RSV-associated acute respiratory infections (RSV-ARI) lead to approximately 336,000 hospital admissions and 14,000 in-hospital deaths annually globally.(55)
- Studies have shown that seasonal influenza infection was a significant trigger for severe AECOPD, leading to increased rates of hospitalization, intubation, and mortality. Influenza infection leads to increased airway inflammation, bacterial colonization, and immune dysregulation in COPD(55, 56)
· Rationale for the recommendation:
- Viruses can be detected in approximately two-thirds of AECOPD while bacterial infections can be the identifiable trigger in up to half of these episodes.(1)
- COPD patients face an increased risk of severe respiratory infections caused by these pathogens; therefore, vaccination is crucial to prevent various adverse outcomes.
- Herpes zoster, resulting from reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is reported to be more prevalent among patients with chronic medical diseases such as COPD (annex 18)
· 3Bd. We strongly recommend using long-term oxygen therapy (>18 hours) for COPD patients with resting hypoxemia. (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
· Remarks: oxygen therapy according to British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines prescribe it during pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with exercise-induced desaturations.
- Supplemental oxygen improves outcomes in patients with moderate hypoxemia, exercise-induced desaturations and post-exacerbation hypoxemia. (2)
- supplemental oxygen during exercise improves exercise endurance and maximal exercise capacity in COPD patients with exercise-induced hypoxemia
· Summary of evidence:
- Longitudinal analysis of consecutive patients in the population-based DISCOVERY cohort who started LTOT between 2000 and 2018 with a follow-up duration≥3 months revealed that LTOT is associated with reduced rates of both total and hospitalised acute exacerbations and all-cause hospitalisations in patients with COPD. Similar findings were observed in patients with hypercapnic and non-hypercapnic COPD. (57,58)
- Six identified randomised controlled trials RCTs were included in systematic reviews and meta-analyses of LTOT , to examine the effect of domiciliary LTOT on survival, quality of life, and physiological measures, showed that there was a significant improvement in mortality after 24 months. Also there was a significant improvement over five years in mortality in group receiving oxygen therapy (Peto odds ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.18 to 0.98).(59)
· Rationale for the recommendation:
- Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) improves survival in patients with severe chronic resting hypoxemia, LTOT is associated with reduced rates of both total and hospitalized acute exacerbations and all-cause hospitalizations in patients with COPD. (58,59)
- Particularly, nocturnal hypoxemia contributes to the development of secondary pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure, leading to a worse prognosis. (60)
· 3Be. We strongly recommend using long-term non-invasive ventilation in people with stable COPD and hypercapnia to reduce mortality and hospital admissions. (Strong recommendation, high level of evidence)
· Remarks:
- For patients with stable COPD with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, (defined as FEV1/FVC < 0.70; resting PaCO2 > 45 mm Hg; not during exacerbation), use of nocturnal noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in addition to usual care is recommended
- chronic stable hypercapnic COPD should undergo screening for obstructive sleep apnea before initiation of long-term NIV
· Summary of evidence:
- Long-Term Noninvasive Ventilation in Chronic Stable Hypercapnic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was suggested in An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline, suggest not using in-hospital initiation of long-term NIV after an episode of acute-on-chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, favoring instead reassessment for NIV at 2–4 weeks after resolution. (61)
- European Respiratory Society (ERS) task force. suggested initiation of NIV shortly after hospitalization for an acute exacerbation of COPD if hypercapnia persists. No specific time frame was provided, and reassessment 2–4 weeks after the initial episode could be considered.(62)
· Rationale for the recommendation:
- In stable patients with COPD and chronic hypercapnia long-term NIV has the potential to improve physiological parameters (e.g., lung function or gas exchange), clinical symptoms (e.g., functional capacity, dyspnea, quality of life [QOL], and sleep quality) and patient-centered outcomes (e.g., hospital readmission and survival).
3Bf. Patient self-management programs incorporating multicomponent interventions (such as education, exercise training and psychosocial support) can improve health outcomes, quality of life and decrease healthcare utilization (Good Practice Statement)
4- Follow-up and home care arrangements: (Annex 19)
(eg, home oxygen, homecare, Meals on Wheels, community nurse, allied health, GP, specialist) have been completed.
4a. Coordinate multidisciplinary support for patients who are receiving home management, implement systems for planned transfers of care to ensure patients receive continuous and coordinated primary care from their general practice or primary healthcare team. (Good Practice Statement)
· Remarks:
- COPD is a common and long‐term lung condition that slowly worsens over years, and causes symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and increased sputum (mucus) production. This leads to loss of well‐being (also known as reduction in HRQoL).
- COPD self-management intervention is structured but personalized and often multi-component, with goals of motivating, engaging and supporting the patients to positively adapt their health behavior(s) and develop skills to better manage their disease. (63)
- Ultimate goals of self-management are a) optimizing and preserving physical health; b) reducing symptoms and functional impairments in daily life and increasing emotional well-being, social well-being and quality of life; and c) establishing effective alliances with healthcare professionals, family, friends and community.(63, 64)
· Summary of evidence:
- In Systematic review that evaluated 25 RCTs and two CRTs (described in 38 articles) on the effectiveness of COPD self‐management interventions compared to usual care, Positive effects of COPD self‐management interventions on HRQoL and respiratory‐related hospitalizations were detected. (63)
- Medium‐term effects (6-12 months) showed a pooled beneficial effect favoring self‐management. This could suggest that HRQoL may further improve when people with COPD develop their self‐management skills over time. (63)
- Because tailoring self-management interventions to individuals is desirable, heterogeneity is and will in all likelihood remain present in self‐management interventions. No difference between self‐management interventions and usual care for the risk of all‐cause mortality.(64, 65)
· Rationale for the recommendation:
- Self‐management interventions help people with COPD to acquire and practice the skills they need to carry out disease‐specific medical regimens, guide changes in health behavior and provide emotional support to enable them to control their disease
- self‐management interventions in people with COPD are associated with improvement in HRQoL, a reduction in both respiratory‐related admissions and ED visits.
- Likely improvement in both anxiety, depression symptoms, and exercise capacity; and probably more use of antibiotics.
- In addition, the lack of observed effects regarding respiratory‐related and all‐cause mortality strengthens the view that COPD self‐management interventions are unlikely to cause harm.
4b. arrange follow-up visit within 1-4 weeks to
- Evaluate ability to cope in his/her usual environment.
- Review and ensure patients understand treatment regimen.
- Re-assessment of inhaler techniques.
- Re- assessment of need for long term oxygen.
- Document the capacity to do physical activity and daily living. activities
- Document symptoms: CAT or mMRC.
- Determine status of comorbidities.
(Good Practice Statement).
4c: arrange follow-up visit within 12-16 week to Measure FEV1. (Good Practice Statement).