Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is associated with an increased hospitalization and mortality. Azithromycin and erythromycin are the recommended drugs to reduce the risk of exacerbations. However, the most suitable duration of therapy and drug-related adverse events are still a matter of debate. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of long-term macrolide treatment for COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We comprehensively searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science and performed a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies. RESULTS: <0.01). CONCLUSION: Prophylactic azithromycin or erythromycin treatment has a significant effect in reducing the frequency of AECOPD in a time-dependent manner. However, long-term macrolide treatment could increase the occurrence of adverse events and macrolide resistance. Future large-scale, well-designed RCTs with extensive follow-up are required to identify patients in whom the benefits outweigh risks.
Cui et al. (Thu,) studied this question.