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Patient-level pooled analysis of the effect of tiotropium on COPD exacerbations and related hospitalisations.

Prim Care Respir J. 2009 Jun;18(2):106-13

Authors: Halpin D, Menjoge S, Viel K

AIM: To assess the effect of tiotropium 18 mcg once daily on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations and exacerbation-related hospitalisations using a patient-level pooled analysis. METHODS: All completed randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group tiotropium trials with a duration of >or=24 weeks were included (n=9). An exacerbation was defined in each study as >or=2 respiratory symptoms lasting >or=3 days, and requiring treatment with antibiotics and/or systemic steroids and/or hospitalisation. RESULTS: Compared with placebo (2,862 patients), tiotropium (3,309 patients) significantly reduced by 21% both the risk of COPD exacerbation (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.86; p<0.0001) and the risk of exacerbation-associated hospitalisation (95% CI 0.65-0.96; p=0.015). Time to first exacerbation and first associated hospitalisation were increased. The protective effect of tiotropium was consistent regardless of age, gender, inhaled corticosteroid use and disease severity. CONCLUSION: This analysis provides further confirmatory evidence that tiotropium reduces the risk of exacerbation and associated hospitalisation.

PMID: 19407916 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Link to Abstract at PubMed