Objective: To determine what factors are associated with prescription of drugs to patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Material and methods: We studied 568 patients with stable COPD. Assessments included determination of the severity of dyspnea, body mass index, health-related quality of life, and spirometry testing.
Results: The forced expiratory volume in 1 second was significantly associated with prescription of long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (odds ratio [OR]=0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-1) and inhaled corticosteroids (OR=0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1). Quality of life was related to administration of short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (OR=1.02; 95% CI, 1-1.03), long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (OR=1.02; 95% CI, 1-1.03), ipratropium bromide (OR=1.03; 95% CI, 1-1.04), theophylline drugs (OR=1.02; 95% CI, 1-1.03), and inhaled corticosteroids (OR=1.02; 95% CI, 1-1.03). The severity of dyspnea was significantly associated with prescription of oral corticosteroids (for grade IV dyspnea, OR=15.25; 95% CI, 2.40-97.02). Body mass index was not related to drug administration.
Conclusions: Drug prescription in patients with stable COPD correlates not only with forced expiratory volume in 1 second but also with other parameters such as health-related quality of life and dyspnea.