Drug combination reduces mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Medication reduces risk of dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to the first study of its kind.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious condition marked by gradual destruction of lung tissue. It is characterized by breathlessness and severe disability. Researcher for the TORCH (Towards a Revolution in COPD Health) study now show, for the first time, how medication can reduce mortality from COPD. They looked at over 6,000 patients in one of four treatment arms: salmeterol/fluticasone propionate, salmeterol, fluticasone propionate or placebo for three years.

The combination therapy reduced mortality from any cause by 17.5 per cent compared to placebo. It also reduced exacerbations of COPD by 25 per cent and also improved quality of life. The findings offer new hope to those with COPD, for they can clearly expect improvements to their outcome with the combination of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate.

Source
European Respiratory Society conference 3rd September 2006