Combination therapy for severe COPD
A recently published study suggests that treating severe COPD (FEV1 < 60%) with a combination of an antiinflamatory medication and
a medication to help open the breathing tubes (airways) improves
symptoms of shortness of breath and lung function and
reduces aggravation of the disease and mortality at 3 years.
The multi-center, multinational, double-blind trial called the TORCH
study (Towards a Revolution in COPD Health) enrolled more than 6,100
patients with COPD into one of four treatment arms;
salmeterol/fluticasone (50/500µg), salmeterol (50µg), fluticasone
(500µg) or placebo.
Although combination therapy improved overall outcomes, treatment
with fluticasone was associated with an increased risk of
pneumonia. Patients should discuss with their physicians whether
combination therapy may benefit them.
P. M. Calverley et al., N Engl J Med 356, 775 (Feb 22, 2007).
Learn about the National Jewish COPD program.
Search for COPD clinical trials at National Jewish Health.
This information has been approved by Scott Van Da Walker C-FNP, MSN, RN
(January 2008).
