Symptomatic burden of COPD for patients receiving dual or triple therapy

Introduction: Long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids are the recommended treatments for COPD. However, some patients receiving dual or triple therapy still suffer from considerable symptom burden. Aims and Objectives: We aimed to assess symptomatic burden for patients with COPD receiving dual or triple therapy. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 3 Adelphi COPD surveys (2013–2016) conducted in the USA, Europe, Japan, and China were analyzed for patients with COPD and FEV 1 ≤65% receiving dual or triple therapy for ≥3 months. Physicians completed forms with clinical and disease characteristics for patients with COPD. Corresponding patients completed a questionnaire that included validated survey instruments to assess adherence and symptom impact. Descriptive statistics are reported. Results: 690 patients (mean [standard deviation (SD)] age 68.2 [8.9] years; 73.3% male) who met inclusion criteria had dual (41.4%) or triple therapy (58.6%). 77.1% (531/689) of patients received specialist-led care. 20.9% (137/654) of patients reported daily reliever inhaler use. A summary of questionnaire responses is provided (table). High or very high symptom impact (CAT score >20) was observed in 70.4% (126/179) of patients highly adherent to treatment. Conclusion: Despite dual or triple therapy, a large number of patients with COPD and FEV 1 ≤65% in this analysis still reported a major symptom burden likely to impact their everyday lives.