The Effect of Beclomethasone/Formoterol in Extra-fine Formulation on Quality of Life and Dyspnea is Associated to the Improvement in Small Airway Dysfunction in COPD Patients. A Pilot Study (IOSCOPD20161102)

Detailed Summary

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), small-airway dysfunction (SAD) is considered a key element and a functional consequence of the pathology. However, the exact role of SAD as a specific 'pharmacological target' is not yet fully known. Objectives In an open-label prospective study, we aimed to ascertain whether an extra-fine formulation of Beclomethasone dipropionate/Formoterol fumarate (BDP/FF) NEXThaler® 100/6 μg b.i.d. can improve the impact of the disease on the quality of daily life of COPD patients, acting on SAD. Methods We studied COPD patients with severe airflow obstruction and 1 moderate exacerbation in the previous year, being treated with BDP/FF NEXThaler® for 12 weeks. They underwent three visits, at the start of the treatment (V1), at 6th week (V2) and at 12th week (V3). By the impulse oscillometry system and by spirometry and plethysmography we measured at each visit the fall in resistance from 5 to 20 Hz (R5-R20) and the residual volume/total lung capacity (RV/TLC). COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire were also measured at each visit to assess the impact of the disease on the quality of life of the patients.

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