Comparison for the effects of triple therapy with salmeterol/fluticasone propionate and tiotropium bromide versus individual components in patients of severe COPD combined with bronchial hyperresponsiveness

Background: A combination of salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (SFC) and tiotropium bromide (TIO) is commonly prescribed for COPD patients but there is little data on their effectiveness, particularly in COPD patients with bronchial hyperresponsiveness. This study compared the Spirometric improvement based on the change in FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, and IC as well as the clinical outcomes of the therapeutic strategies with SFC and TIO versus the individual components in patients with severe COPD and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Methods: This study examined the Spirometric data and clinical outcomes of 214 patients with COPD and hyperresponsiveness, who were divided into three groups according to the therapeutic regimen (TIO only, SFC only, and a triple therapy regimen). Results: All regimen groups showed early improvement in the FEV₁ and IC (at 3- and 6 months after treatment). However, long-term beneficial effects were observed only in the SFC group (at 24 months after treatment). However, these beneficial effects decreased after a 36-month follow up. In all Spirometrie results, the 12-, 24-, and 36-months data showed a similar degree of improvement in the three groups. The triple therapy group showed higher St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire scores and lower acute exacerbations and hospitalization. Conclusion: SFC can be a more important component in the pharmacological treatment of severe COPD patients with hyperresponsiveness than TIO, particularly in the Spirometric and clinical outcomes. Copyright