Effects of Inhaled Corticosteroids on Hospitalized Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations: A Retrospective, Multicenter, Propensity Score-Matched Study in China

Background: Exacerbations are important events when managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) because they negatively impact disease progression. Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) usage in patients with COPD is controversial. Therefore, we reviewed the benefits and risks of regular ICS treatment in patients with COPD regarding hospitalized acute exacerbation. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study—conducted in 18 medical centers across China—included 1,862 participants from 34 hospitals in northern China. Baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and administered medicines in the last year were matched using 1:1 propensity score-matching. We reviewed electronic patient medical records to ascertain symptoms, tests, in-hospital treatment, and prognosis. Subsequently, we reviewed computed tomography imaging results and pathogen identification tests. Results: Patients who used ICS in the past year presented more severe respiratory symptoms during acute exacerbations of COPD but less frequent right heart failure or consciousness disturbance. More antibiotics were used during hospitalization, resulting in higher costs; however, their prognosis was not different from patients who did not use ICS. Additionally, although ICS usage could increase gram-negative bacilli in sputum smears, it did not increase the probability of pulmonary infection. Conclusions: ICS use could protect patients from right heart failure, without detrimentally affecting prognosis during hospitalized exacerbations. Therefore, the risk of cardiovascular disease should be taken into consideration when making decisions regarding the potential administration of ICS in patients with COPD.