
4/2/2024
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Initial
Treatment
Update
•Short (SABA, SAMA)- or long (LABA, LAMA)-acting bronchodilator choice is based on
its effect on breathlessness.
•If available and affordable, a LABA or LAMA is preferred except in those with very
occasional breathlessness.
Group A
• If affordable and appropriate, LABA + LAMA (as a single or multiple inhaler
treatment) is preferred.
• If preferred combination is not appropriate, there is not evidence to recommend
once lang-acting class over another for initial relief
Group B
• If available and affordable, LABA + LAMA (as a single or multiple inhaler
treatment) is preferred.
•If preferred combination is not appropriate, LAMAs may have a greater effect on
exacerbation reduction compared to LABAs.
•LABA + ICS is no longer encouraged. If an ICS is indicated, triple therapy (LABA +
LAMA + ICS) is preferred.
Group E
•Inhaled bronchodilators are recommended over oral bronchodilators.
•Those on a long-acting, should always be provided a short-acting for immediate relief
of symptoms. Combination of SABA and SAMA is superior to either medication alone.
All Groups
References: Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2024 Report. Pub Dec 2023. Available from www.goldcopd.org; Hurst JR et al. N Eng J Med. 2010;363(12):. 1128-1138
Initial
Treatment
Update: ICS
Use
Only indicated initially if:
Blood eosinophils are > 300
Comorbid asthma (ICS is
mandatory)
See next slide for other
scenarios that ICS use is
favored
Regular treatment with ICS
increases pneumonia risk
When used, preferred as a
component of triple therapy
LABA + LAMA + ICS improved
lung function/ symptoms, and
reduced exacerbations
compared to LABA + ICS, LABA
+ LAMA, and LAMA
Great treatment effect in those
with high exacerbation risk
Continuous relationship between
blood eos and ICS effects
Abbreviations: ICS = Inhaled Corticosteroid
References: Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2024 Report. Pub Dec 2023. Available from www.goldcopd.org; Hurst JR et al. N Eng J Med. 2010;363(12):1128-1138.
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