Patients
with severe COPD and a history of repeat exacerbations who cannot be
controlled using long-acting bronchodilators alone are likely to
benefit from Symbicort. In such patients, Symbicort reduces
exacerbations, improves lung function, relieves symptoms, and
improves health related quality of life (Calverley
et al, 2003 and Szafranski
et al, 2003) .
The
use of Symbicort is in line with international guidelines laid down
by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD,
2003), endorsed by the WHO and US NHLBI, for the treatment of
patients with severe COPD and a history of exacerbations. The
guidelines recommend that patients with severe COPD and repeated
exacerbations
receive regular treatment with one or more bronchodilators plus
inhaled corticosteroids. The recently updated ATS/ERS and NICE
guidelines also support the use of ICS/LABA combinations in this
patient category.
Calverley study summary
Szafranski study summary
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