Analysis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Medications Based on Real-World Data

Author(s)

Jingyi Zhao, MSc1, Litian Jiang, MS1, Wan Li, MS2, Zili Chen, MS2, Huatang Zeng, PhD1, Mengqing Lu, MS1, Liqun Wu*, MS1, Jianwei Xuan*, PhD2.
1Health Development Research and Data Management Center, Shenzhen, China, 2Health Economic Research Institute, School of Pharmacy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
OBJECTIVES: To systematically assess the clinical application patterns of commonly prescribed medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Shenzhen, China, by using real-world data.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, employing information on 19,702 patients in Shenzhen who had undertaken COPD medication treatments from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023. Using descriptive statistics with univariate and multivariate regression models, we compared medication patterns between patients in stable-phase (Group A and B, n=9,122) and patients in acute exacerbation-phase (Group E, n=10,580), while emphasizing on the evaluation of clinical efficacy across various drug combinations.
RESULTS: We found that the overall healthcare institution compliance to COPD guidelines in Shenzhen is relatively high. However, Group A and B demonstrated an early adoption of triple therapies and quadruple therapies, while Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) monotherapy and theophylline-based medications were overused, deviating from guideline recommendations. Significant efficacy differences were observed between the patients in two phases. Among stable-phase patients (82.5% male), theophylline was associated with the lowest efficiency, resulting in a one-year readmissions rate of 24.6%. Long-acting inhaled β2-agonists (LABA) combines with long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) demonstrated superior outcomes: Indacaterol/Glycopyrronium and Umeclidinium/Vilanterol demonstrated the lowest one-year readmissions rates (5.8% and 7.5%, respectively). Patients in group E (84.6% male) treated with short-acting inhaled β2-Agonists (SABA) combines with short-acting anticholinergics (SAMA) (Ipratropium/Salbutamol) exhibited lower average hospitalization duration (10.88 days) and lower one-year readmissions rates (51.5%). Theophylline prolonged the length of patient hospitalization (13.0 days), while SAMA monotherapy (Ipratropium) had the highest rehospitalization rate (54.5%).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study on the COPD medication practices in Shenzhen reveals the overutilization of combination therapies and inadequate adherence to clinical guidelines. To enhance therapeutic outcomes, improvements should focus on tailoring strategies to align with different phases of the disease and adhering to evidence-based recommendations.

Conference/Value in Health Info

2025-09, ISPOR Real-World Evidence Summit 2025, Tokyo, Japan

Value in Health Regional, Volume 49S (September 2025)

Code

RWD87

Topic Subcategory

Health & Insurance Records Systems

Disease

SDC: Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)

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