The Article in Brief

Efficacy and Safety of Inhaled Corticosteroids in Patients With COPD: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Health Outcomes

Gerald Gartlehener, MD, MPH, and colleagues

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading causes of illness and death worldwide. Caused primarily by smoking, COPD refers to a group of lung diseases in which airflow to and within the lungs becomes partially blocked, making it hard to breathe. This study examines existing research to determine the risks and benefits of inhaled corticosteroids in treating COPD.

What This Study Found Inhaled corticosteroids appear to help patients with moderate to severe COPD. Patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids experienced 33 percent fewer exacerbations (a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms) than patients who received a placebo. Inhaled corticosteroids do not appear to benefit patients with mild COPD.

Implications

• This study is the first comprehensive assessment of the risks and benefits of treating COPD with inhaled corticosteroids. The findings contribute information to the ongoing controversy about the use of inhaled corticosteroids in treatment of patients with COPD.