Dual bronchodilation. Do we need inhaled corticosteroids for patients with COPD without exacerbations?
Abstract
Inhaled long-acting bronchodilators (LAMA and/or LABA, LAMA - or U-LAMA and/or U-LABA), preferably in combination, undoubtedly represent the mainstay of current treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). With the advent of the new dual U-LABA/LAMA fixed bronchodilation in May 2014, we are able to offer patients better control of their symptoms, improved lung function, improved exercise tolerance and quality of life without significant adverse effects.
This article summarizes the results of the ILLUMINATE study, which compared dual fixed combination (indacaterol and glycopyrronium) with fixed combination (inhaled corticosteroids - ICS - and LABA) in patients with COPD stages II-III without exacerbations according to the GOLD classification. The article also addresses the issue of whether we need inhaled corticosteroids in patients with COPD without exacerbations.