Abstract
Introduction: Extreme values of body mass index (BMI) influence outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The interaction of BMI on differential response to bronchodilators is not known.
Aims and objectives: To assess the impact of baseline BMI on outcomes in the Understanding Potential Long-term Impacts on Function with Tiotropium (UPLIFT®) trial.
Methods: Patients from UPLIFT® were classified by their BMI. Lung function, changes in St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and time to first exacerbation were assessed.
Results: Overall, 5992 patients were classified by their BMI (tiotropium HandiHaler® 18 µg: n=2986; placebo: n=3006). Other baseline characteristics were similar, including quality of life (SGRQ). Rates of lung function decline (mean FEV1 and FVC) were similar for tiotropium and placebo, and lung function decline decreased with increasing BMI (Table). The mean SGRQ total score was higher in patients with lower BMI, but it was improved for tiotropium versus placebo, irrespective of BMI (Table). Exacerbation risk was highest in patients with low BMI; however, tiotropium prolonged time to first exacerbation versus placebo irrespective of BMI (Table). Patients with BMI 20-<25 receiving tiotropium had significantly lower risks of severe exacerbation versus placebo (Table).
Conclusions: Independent of baseline BMI, tiotropium was associated with improved outcomes in patients with COPD.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016