
A pair of recent studies have demonstrated the need for early intervention in patients with COPD to reduce the risk of both future exacerbations and cardiovascular events.
Data from the EROS real-world retrospective study found that initiating fixed-dose, triple-combination therapy with Breztri Aerosphere within 30 days of a qualifying moderate or severe exacerbation in patients with COPD could decrease the risk of future exacerbations by as much as 34%.
The study, presented earlier this year at the American Thoracic Society’s 2023 International Conference in Washington, DC, found that the risk dropped by 24% compared to delaying treatment up to six months, and by 34% compared to delaying treatment from six months to a year.
The EROS study included more than 2,400 patients with COPD who were taken from a claims registry. Charlie Strange, MD, a professor at the Medical University of South Carolina and investigator in the EROS study, said the evidence further underscores the effectiveness of treatments like Breztri in curbing future exacerbations.
“A key treatment goal in COPD is to avoid exacerbations that may lead to increased risk of future exacerbations, possible hospitalizations, or even death,” Dr. Strange said. “The EROS real-world data build on the body of clinical evidence that Breztri is effective in reducing COPD exacerbation rates and can significantly reduce the risk of future exacerbations if used as soon as a patient’s COPD symptoms worsen.”
Another study presented at the conference underscored the importance of early intervention for COPD exacerbations. The EXACOS-CV U.S. retrospective cohort study showed an increase in the risk of an acute severe cardiovascular event (stroke, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, arrythmia or heart attack) within the first 30 days following an acute moderate or severe COPD exacerbation.
More specifically, the risk increased by 32% in the first 30 days following a single, acute moderate or severe COPD exacerbation, compared to those without a prior COPD exacerbation. The risk of CV events was highest in the first 90 days following the COPD exacerbation and remained elevated for the first year. Not only that, but each subsequent COPD exacerbation was associated with an even higher risk of acute CV events.
Robert Fogel, vice president of global medical affairs, respiratory and immunology for AstraZeneca, said the studies show how crucial the need is for early intervention in COPD patients.
“As the third leading cause of death worldwide, improving outcomes for patients must be an urgent priority for physicians and health care systems,” he said. “(These studies) increase our understanding of the significant cardiopulmonary risk COPD patients face as well as the opportunity to reduce COPD exacerbations through more proactive treatment.”