ATS Journals

Spirometry, Exacerbations, And Bronchodilator Use Among COPD Patients Initiating Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy

COPD Exacerbations: Precipitating Factors, Prevention, and Outcomes
Jeffrey C. Munson, Donald A. Mahler, Jeremy Smith, Nancy E. Morden, Jonathan S. Skinner

Inhaled corticosteroids have been shown to reduce exacerbation frequency in select patients with COPD; however, they are also associated with adverse effects and high costs. Careful patient selection is therefore important. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which clinicians target inhaled steroid therapy to patients most likely to benefit.