• Sarah E Petite.
• 1 University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA.
• Ann Pharmacother. 2017 Aug 1; 51 (8): 696-705.

ObjectiveTo compare the available literature regarding the use of long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/long-acting β2 agonists (LABA) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/LABA combination inhaler therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy management.Data SourcesA MEDLINE literature search from database inception to February 2017 was conducted using the search terms chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adrenergic beta-agonist, muscarinic antagonist, and inhaled corticosteroid. References from extracted sources were further searched for any relevant, missed data sources.Study Selection And Data ExtractionAll English-language randomized-controlled trials comparing LAMA/LABA and ICS/LABA combination inhaler therapy were evaluated.Data SynthesisA total of 10 randomized controlled trials have reviewed the use of LAMA/LABA compared with ICS/LABA therapy for COPD maintenance therapy. Results of clinical trials that evaluated LAMA/LABA and ICS/LABA maintenance therapy demonstrated superior improvements in pulmonary function tests via spirometry and improved clinical outcomes with LAMA/LABA therapy, specifically reduction in COPD exacerbation rates. The safety of LAMA/LABA combination therapy also is favorable compared with ICS/LABA combination therapy because of the increased infection risk with ICS therapy.ConclusionsCOPD is a disease state with significant morbidity and mortality in the United States and is the third leading cause of death. Long-acting inhalers are recommended for the majority of COPD severities, and combination therapy is typically utilized. LAMA/LABA combination therapy has demonstrated superior improvements in pulmonary function and reduction in COPD exacerbation rates compared with ICS/LABA. LAMA/LABA combination therapy will have a larger future role in COPD maintenance management.

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