Key result
Prompt COPD maintenance treatment is linked to ~19% lower one-year costs versus delayed initiation.
Why the study?
The value of prompt initiation of maintenance treatment following COPD exacerbations requiring hospitalization or an ED visit was not fully established.
Does prompt initiation of maintenance treatment reduce costs and subsequent exacerbations in patients following a COPD exacerbation?
Population
6,521 patients with COPD exacerbation resulting in hospitalization or ED visit from a commercially insured population
Comparison
Prompt initiation of maintenance treatment within 30 days vs delayed initiation within 31-180 days
Design
Retrospective cohort study using administrative claims data
Follow-up
1 year
Authors
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Prompt initiation associated with lower post-exacerbation costs; extends observational data but leaves open causal confirmation in RCTs.
Cohort (n=6,521)
Does prompt initiation of maintenance treatment reduce costs and subsequent exacerbations in patients following a COPD exacerbation?
Absolute Event Rate: 3931% vs 4857%
p-value: p=<0.010
Prompt initiation of maintenance treatment following a COPD exacerbation is associated with reduced healthcare costs and lower odds of subsequent exacerbations.
Coutinho et al. (2016) conducted a cohort in COPD exacerbation (n=6,521). Prompt initiation of maintenance treatment (within 30 days) vs. Delayed initiation of maintenance treatment (31-180 days) was evaluated on Adjusted COPD-related total costs (p=<0.010). Prompt initiation of maintenance treatment following a COPD exacerbation significantly reduced 1-year adjusted total costs (US$3,931 vs US$4,857; P<0.010) compared with delayed initiation.
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