[Factors affecting drug prescription in patients with stable COPD: results from a multicenter Spanish study (IDENTEPOC)].
OBJECTIVE
To determine what factors are associated with prescription of drugs to patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).


METHODS
We studied 568 patients with stable COPD. Assessments included determination of the severity of dyspnea, body mass index, health-related quality of life, and spirometry testing.


RESULTS
The forced expiratory volume in 1 second was significantly associated with prescription of long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (odds ratio [OR]=0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-1) and inhaled corticosteroids (OR=0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1). Quality of life was related to administration of short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (OR=1.02; 95% CI, 1-1.03), long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists (OR=1.02; 95% CI, 1-1.03), ipratropium bromide (OR=1.03; 95% CI, 1-1.04), theophylline drugs (OR=1.02; 95% CI, 1-1.03), and inhaled corticosteroids (OR=1.02; 95% CI, 1-1.03). The severity of dyspnea was significantly associated with prescription of oral corticosteroids (for grade IV dyspnea, OR=15.25; 95% CI, 2.40-97.02). Body mass index was not related to drug administration.


CONCLUSIONS
Drug prescription in patients with stable COPD correlates not only with forced expiratory volume in 1 second but also with other parameters such as health-related quality of life and dyspnea.
de Miguel Díez
J
J
Servicio de Neumología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
Izquierdo Alonso
J L
JL
Molina París
J
J
Bellón Cano
J M
JM
Rodríguez González-Moro
J M
JM
de Lucas Ramos
P
P
D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013030:Spain