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INTRODUCTION Polypharmacy of respiratory medications is commonly seen in COPD patients. Reduction of COPD therapy in patients with overtreatment may have benefits by providing adherence to the guideline recommendations. We aimed to investigate effects of treatment de-escalation in COPD. METHODS This multi-center, prospective study was carried out in four pulmonary outpatient clinics. Overtreated patients (according to GOLD 2017) were recommended to undergo de-escalation of treatment (reduction group I), and those who were under appropriate treatment were recommended a stepwise de-escalation (reduction group II). Patients who declined de-escalation were in non-reduction group I. Non-reduction group II consisted of patients under appropriate treatment. Inhalation device skill, symptom control and quality of life (QOL) were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. RESULTS At baseline visit, 55.9% of participants (76/136) were overtreated. There were de-escalation in 54 patients (35: reduction group I, 19: reduction group II). Non- reduction groups I and II included 37 and 45 patients, respectively. FEV 1 of patients with appropriate treatment improved significantly (p=0.033). There was a significant improvement in QOL in reduction group I (p=0.005) and II (p=0.011). Patients who reduced/quitted smoking during follow-up recorded significant improvements in FEV 1 and drug inhalation skills score (p=0.034 and p=0.023, respectively). Overtreatment had an estimated additional cost of 119.57$/year for each patient. CONCLUSION Overtreatment is a common problem in COPD. De-escalation of inhaler medications can improve QOL. Appropriate treatment according to guidelines positively affects respiratory parameters. Reduction/discontinuation of smoking improves both inhaler adherence and spirometric measurements. De-escalation of inhaler treatment should be considered in overtreated patients. |
