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How to cite this document: Anderson B, Conner K, Dunn C, Kerestes G, Lim K, Myers C, Olson J, Raikar S, Schultz H, Setterlund L. Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Updated March 2013.
Copies of this ICSI Health Care Guideline may be distributed by any organization to the organizations employees but, except as provided below, may not be distributed outside of the organization without the prior written consent of the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement, Inc. If the organization is a legally constituted medical group, the ICSI Health Care Guideline may be used by the medical group in any of the following ways: copies may be provided to anyone involved in the medical groups process for developing and implementing clinical guidelines; the ICSI Health Care Guideline may be adopted or adapted for use within the medical group only, provided that ICSI receives appropriate attribution on all written or electronic documents and copies may be provided to patients and the clinicians who manage their care, if the ICSI Health Care Guideline is incorporated into the medical groups clinical guideline program.
All other copyright rights in this ICSI Health Care Guideline are reserved by the Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement assumes no liability for any adaptations or revisions or modifications made to this ICSI Health Care Guideline.
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Establish diagnosis of COPD Symptoms of and risk factors for COPD Medical history Physical examination Spirometry (pre- and post-bronchodilator) establish severity of stable COPD Alpha-1 antitrypsin
Ask/advise about tobacco use/exposure at every visit and offer cessation support as needed
no
Stable disease?
yes
Pharmacologic management
Non-pharmacologic interventions Pulmonary rehab program Oxygen therapy Surgical options for severe disease
Ongoing management Schedule regular follow-up visits Evaluation of symptoms and monitoring of comorbidities Refer to consult with pulmonary specialist Discuss "advance care planning" health care directives or living will Spirometry monitoring
Acute exacerbation
Evaluation
Treatment
10 11
yes
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Table of Contents
Work Group Leader
Blair Anderson, MD Pulmonology, HealthPartners Medical Group and Regions Hospital
Fairview Health Services Christina Dunn, MD Internal Medicine Jennifer Olson, CRT, RRT Nursing and Health Education Heidi Schultz, PharmD Pharmacy HealthPartners Medical Group and Regions Hospital Shama Raikar, MD Internal Medicine Mayo Clinic Kaiser Lim, MD Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Algorithm..............................................................................................................................1 Evidence Grading.............................................................................................................. 3-4 Foreword Introduction......................................................................................................................5 Scope and Target Population............................................................................................5 Aims.................................................................................................................................5 Clinical Highlights...........................................................................................................6 Implementation Recommendation Highlights.................................................................6 Related ICSI Scientific Documents.................................................................................6 Definition.........................................................................................................................6 Annotations..................................................................................................................... 7-28 Aims and Measures....................................................................................................... 30-31 Measurement Specifications.................................................................................... 32-42 Implementation Recommendations.....................................................................................43 Implementation Tools and Resources..................................................................................43 Implementation Tools and Resources Table.................................................................. 44-45
North Memorial Health Care Kristen Conner, BSN, MSN Nursing and Health Education ICSI Cassandra Myers Clinical Systems Improvement Facilitator Linda Setterlund Clinical Systems Improvement Facilitator
Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest........................................................... 62-64 Acknowledgements......................................................................................................... 65-66 Document History and Development....................................................................... 67-68
Document History...............................................................................................................67 ICSI Document Development and Revision Process..........................................................68
References..................................................................................................................... 47-51 Appendices.................................................................................................................... 52-61 Appendix A Estimated Comparative Daily Dosage for Inhaled Corticosteroids........52 Appendix B Hydrofluoro-alkane (HFA) Directory.....................................................53 Appendix C Medicare Standard for Oxygen Coverage..............................................54 Appendix D Summary of Structure and Services Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.................................................................... 55-56 Appendix E ICSI Shared Decision-Making Model...............................................57-61
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Evidence Grading
Literature Search
A consistent and defined process is used for literature search and review for the development and revision of ICSI guidelines. Literature search terms for the current revision of this document include spirometry, pulmonary rehab, statins, antibiotic treatment and usage, macrolides, gene trial, cardiovascular diseases, metered-dose inhalers, and phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors from June 2010 through September 2012.
GRADE Methodology
Following a review of several evidence rating and recommendation writing systems, ICSI has made a decision to transition to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. GRADE has advantages over other systems including the current system used by ICSI. Advantages include: developed by a widely representative group of international guideline developers; explicit and comprehensive criteria for downgrading and upgrading quality of evidence ratings; clear separation between quality of evidence and strength of recommendations that includes a transparent process of moving from evidence evaluation to recommendations; clear, pragmatic interpretations of strong versus weak recommendations for clinicians, patients and policy-makers; explicit acknowledgement of values and preferences; and explicit evaluation of the importance of outcomes of alternative management strategies.
This document is in transition to the GRADE methodology Transition steps incorporating GRADE methodology for this document include the following: Priority placed upon available Systematic Reviews in literature searches. All existing Class A (RCTs) studies have been considered as high quality evidence unless specified differently by a work group member. All existing Class B, C and D studies have been considered as low quality evidence unless specified differently by a work group member. All existing Class M and R studies are identified by study design versus assigning a quality of evidence. Refer to Crosswalk between ICSI Evidence Grading System and GRADE. All new literature considered by the work group for this revision has been assessed using GRADE methodology.
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Evidence Grading
Previous ICSI System Class A: Randomized, controlled trial Class B: [observational] Cohort study Class C: [observational] Non-randomized trial with concurrent or historical controls Case-control study Population-based descriptive study Study of sensitivity and specificity of a diagnostic test Class D: [observational] Cross-sectional study Case series Case report Class M: Meta-analysis Systematic review Decision analysis Cost-effectiveness analysis Class R: Consensus statement Consensus report Narrative review Class R: Guideline Class X: Medical opinion
* Following individual study review, may be elevated to Moderate or High depending upon study design Low Meta-analysis Systematic Review Decision Analysis Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Low Low Low Guideline Low Evidence Definitions: High Quality Evidence = Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect. Moderate Quality Evidence = Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate. Low Quality Evidence = Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate or any estimate of effect is very uncertain. In addition to evidence that is graded and used to formulate recommendations, additional pieces of literature will be used to inform the reader of other topics of interest. This literature is not given an evidence grade and is instead identified as a Reference throughout the document.
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Foreword
Introduction
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) includes both emphysema and chronic obstructive bronchitis. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and is the only common chronic illness for which mortality rates, social burden and economic burden continue to increase (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]). Historically viewed as a man's disease, more women have died of COPD than men each year since 2000 (National Center for Health Statistics, 2004). Cigarette smoking is the cause of 80-90% of COPD cases, with occupational exposure accounting for 10-20% and Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency accounting for 3-4% (American Thoracic Society, 2003 [Guideline]; American Thoracic Society, 1995 [Guideline]). Early diagnosis and treatment, including pulmonary rehabilitation and pharmacologic intervention, can improve the quality of life in COPD patients (Lacasse, 1996 [Meta-analysis]). Smoking cessation and oxygen for severe hypoxemia can prolong life (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]). Therefore, COPD should be considered a preventable and treatable illness. Given the large burden COPD places on the individual patient and the population, the goal of the guideline is threefold. The first is to improve population health through education, awareness, prevention and evidence-based treatment. Secondly, the guideline should improve patient care experience and quality of care. The final area is to improve affordability through appropriate diagnosis and treatment that leads to decreasing COPD per-capita costs. There are many aspects of COPD diagnosis, and both long- and short-term treatment that lend themselves to a shared decision-making process with the patient. The guideline includes and fully supports the ICSI Shared Decision-Making Model, as shown in Appendix E. Return to Table of Contents
Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can occur in adults of any age, especially smokers, it most commonly occurs in people 45 years and older. The target population for this guideline is people with symptoms of stable COPD, as well as acute exacerbations of COPD in the outpatient setting. Return to Table of Contents
Aims
1. Increase the quality and use of spirometry testing in the diagnosis of patients with COPD. (Annotation #1) 2. Increase the number of patients with COPD who receive information on the options for tobacco cessation and information on the risks of continued smoking. (Annotations #1, 2) 3. Increase the percentage of patients with COPD who have appropriate therapy prescribed. (Annotation #4) 4. Decrease COPD exacerbation requiring emergency department (ED) evaluation or hospital admission. (Annotations #4, 5) 5. Increase the percentage of patients who have education and management skills with COPD. (Annotations #5, 6)
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Foreword
Clinical Highlights
Assess patients for symptoms and risk factors for COPD, including asking about tobacco use/exposure at every visit. (Annotations #1, 2; Aim #2) Tobacco cessation is the only known intervention that can slow progression of lung function loss. (Annotation #2; Aim #2 ) Establish diagnosis and severity of COPD through spirometry, pre- and post-bronchodilator, in addition to history and physical examination. (Annotation #1; Aim #1) After establishing severity, assess patient needs for pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment and provide appropriate therapy as indicated. (Annotations #4, 5, 6; Aims #3, 4) Pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial for patients with moderate to severe COPD patients. (Annotation #5; Aim #5) For patients with severe symptoms, despite maximal medical therapy, lung volume reduction surgery and transplantation may be an option. (Annotations #5, 6) Clinicians should discuss advance directives/health care directives and goals of care as early as possible. (Annotation #6; Aim #5)
The following system changes were identified by the guideline work group as key strategies for health care systems to incorporate in support of the implementation of this guideline. A model of patient education should be established in the clinics based upon individual learning needs assessments and including coordinated plans jointly developed by educators, patients and their families. Patient education should include core learning and needs objectives based upon individual needs. Establish tobacco status at each visit. Advise to quit, and provide supportive interventions including pharmacotherapy if appropriate.
Definition
Clinician All health care professionals whose practice is based on interaction with and/or treatment of a patient. Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
1. Establish Diagnosis of COPD
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) defines COPD as follows: A preventable and treatable disease characterized by chronic airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gas. Exacerbations and comorbidities contribute to the overall severity in individual patients. Chronic obstructive bronchitis is defined as partially reversible airflow limitation as well as the presence of chronic productive cough for three months in each of two successive years in a patient in whom other causes of chronic cough have been excluded. Emphysema is defined as an abnormal permanent enlargement of the air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles, accompanied by destruction of their walls and without obvious fibrosis.
Recommended Etiological Evaluations for the Diagnosis of COPD from Other Guidelines
Return to Algorithm
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Algorithm Annotations
Signs of cor pulmonale: - Increased pulmonic component of the second heart sound - Neck vein distention - Lower extremity edema NOTE: Finger clubbing is not characteristic of COPD and should alert the clinician to another condition such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), cystic fibrosis, lung cancer or asbestosis. - Hepatomegaly
COPD should also be considered if the patient has one or more of the following risk factors: History of tobacco use or prolonged exposure to secondhand or environmental smoke Asthma Occupations with exposure to dust and chemicals (e.g., firefighters, welders) Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency Chronic respiratory infections
The diagnosis of COPD should be suspected based on the patient's medical history and physical examination, but spirometry is required to make a diagnosis and confirm the presence of persistent airflow limitation (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]).
Spirometry
Spirometry is an established and important method of measuring lung function for the diagnosis and management of patients with COPD. It is recommended for symptomatic patients at risk of COPD, particularly smokers greater than 45 years of age, and for regular follow-up of patients with documented COPD (Wilt, 2005 [Systematic Review]). According to the GOLD criteria, COPD is defined as an FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70% after treatment (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]). Large population screening is not recommended. Airflow obstruction is measured by spirometry and shows a reduced FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio. Measuring pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry is important to identify those patients with partial reversibility of airflow obstruction. Reversibility is defined as improvement in airflow by 12% of baseline and 200 mL of either FEV1 or FVC after administration of a bronchodilator. This does not exclude the diagnosis of COPD unless the ratio of FEV1/FVC improves to greater than 70%. The signs, symptoms and airflow limitation in COPD vary with the severity of the disease. The stages of severity of COPD may be categorized according to Table I. Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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Stage of COPD
Mild
Moderate
Between 50 and 79
Breathlessness ( wheeze on moderate exertion) Cough ( sputum) Variable abnormal signs (general reduction in breath sounds, presence of wheezes) Hypoxemia may be present
Dyspnea with any exertion or at rest Wheeze and cough often prominent Lung hyperinflation usual; cyanosis, peripheral edema and polycythemia in advanced disease Hypoxemia and hypercapnia are common
The best correlation with morbidity and mortality is a decrease in FEV1. With FEV1 greater than 1.0 L, there is a slight increase in mortality at 10 years. With FEV1 less than 0.75 L, the approximate mortality rate at one year is 30%, and at 10 years is 95%. Because of the relationship of prognosis and FEV1, the severity of COPD is staged on the basis of this spirometry measurement. Patients are categorized as mild, moderate, severe or very severe. The COPD work group selected the COPD severity categories recommended by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease because they are straightforward and correlate with clinical experience. However, it is clear that there are widespread differences relative to disease severity classification among published guidelines (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]; Hodgkin, 1990 [Low Quality Evidence]). It is important to distinguish COPD from asthma, because treatment and prognosis differ. Measurement of pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1 can assist with this differentiation. In asthma, the spirometric abnormality tends to return to normal with bronchodilators, although this distinction between COPD and asthma is not strictly rigid. If the FEV1/FVC ratio improves to > 70% after bronchial dilation, a diagnosis of COPD can be ruled out. Factors commonly used to distinguish COPD from asthma include age of onset, smoking history, triggering factors and occupational history. If the results of available spirometry are unclear, formal spirometry in a pulmonary function test lab should be considered. Full pulmonary function tests with lung volumes and diffusion capacity (DLCO) can be helpful but are not necessary to establish diagnosis or severity of COPD. Spirometry, interpretation strategies, selection of reference values and quality control should be performed in compliance with the American Thoracic Society Statement on Standardization of Spirometry (American Thoracic Society, 2005 [Guideline]). The spirometer must meet or exceed requirements proposed by the American Thoracic Society. Automated maneuver acceptability and reproducibility messages must be displayed and reported. The use of a nose clip for all spirometric maneuvers is strongly recommended. Return to Table of Contents
Return to Algorithm
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Algorithm Annotations
Subjects should be studied in the sitting position for safety reasons. Universal precautions should be applied in all instances in which there is potential for blood and body fluid exposure. Appropriate use of gloves and hand washing are highly recommended. Patients suspected of having M. tuberculosis or other airborne organisms should be tested in areas complying with the U.S. Public Health Service recommendations for air exchange and ventilation. Daily calibration prior to testing using a calibrated known volume syringe with a volume of at least three liters performed to manufacturer's recommendations is recommended. A log documenting instrument calibrations should be maintained. Establish or participate in a training program for all those who perform spirometry testing and a quality control program that monitors technician performance. Discussion of spirometry results with current smokers should be accompanied by strong advice to quit smoking and referral to smoking cessation resources.
(Ferguson, 2000 [Low Quality Evidence]; American Association for Respiratory Care Clinical Practice Guideline, 1996 [Guideline]; American Thoracic Society, 1995 [Guideline]) Although peak flow meters should not be used to diagnose or monitor COPD, monitoring of peak expiratory flow at home and at work can be used in certain situations to determine reversibility of and variability in airway obstruction.
Alpha 1-Antitrypsin
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AD or Alpha-1) is a genetic disorder caused by defective production of alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT), leading to decreased A1AT activity in the blood and lungs, and deposition of excessive abnormal A1AT protein in liver cells (Stoller, 2005 [Low Quality Evidence]). There are several forms and degrees of deficiency. Severe A1AD causes emphysema and/or COPD in adult life in nearly all people with the condition. Cigarette smoke is especially harmful to individuals with A1AD. In addition to increasing the inflammatory reaction in the airways, cigarette smoke directly inactivates alpha 1-antitrypsin by oxidizing essential methionine residues to sulfoxide forms, decreasing the enzyme activity by a factor of 2000. A1AD screening is appropriate in patients of Caucasian descent who develop COPD at a young age (less than 45 years) or who have a strong family history of the disease (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]). Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
Differential Diagnosis
Depending on the clinical scenarios, various disorders may be considered in the differential diagnosis of COPD, including: Asthma Alpha 1 anti-trypsin deficiency Bronchiectasis Heart failure Cystic fibrosis Cystic lung disease (lymphangioleiomyomatosis, pulmonary Langerhan's histiocytosis) Pulmonary fibrosis Upper airway lesions
While a chest x-ray is not useful in the diagnosis of COPD, it can be useful to evaluate comorbidities or alternate diagnoses (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]). Chest CT is not generally needed in the evaluation of COPD, but it can be useful if the diagnosis is not clear or if alternate diagnoses are considered. Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
2. Ask/Advise about Tobacco Use/Exposure at Every Visit and Offer Cessation Support as Needed
Recommendation: Patients with COPD should be given tools for tobacco cessation to prolong survival.
Ten to fifteen percent of long-term smokers develop COPD with accelerated rates of decline in FEV1. Advice and support from clinicians and other health professionals are potentially powerful influences on tobacco cessation. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, tobacco use is one of the most important public health issues of our time. The National Cancer Institute, which is the primary federal agency for tobacco control, states that the keys to patient awareness and education about tobacco cessation in a clinical setting are: ASK ADVISE ASSESS ASSIST about tobacco use at every visit all users to stop users' willingness to make a quit attempt users' efforts to quit
ARRANGE follow-up Reinforcement of tobacco cessation and follow-up for patients with COPD are extremely important. Pharmacotherapy, social support and skills training/problem solving are the key treatments for tobacco cessation. Nicotine patches, nasal sprays, inhalers and oral medication are all available to help patients achieve cessation (Fiore, 2008 [Guideline]; Dale, 2001 [High Quality Evidence]). See the Implementation Tools and Resources Table for more information. Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
4. Pharmacologic Management
Each level of severity in Table II represents an intervention that should be considered only if the previous course of action fails to improve symptoms of COPD. A table of estimated comparative daily dosages for inhaled corticosteroids is attached in Appendix A, "Estimated Comparative Daily Dosage for Inhaled Corticosteroids." A table of hydrofluoro-alkane (HFAs) is attached in Appendix B, "Hydrofluoro-alkane (HFA) Directory." Table II
Therapy
All severities Smoking cessation support Oxygen supplementation when indicated Trigger avoidance Inhaler technique training COPD education Caretaker support Assess current vaccine schedule Add: Short-acting bronchodilators as needed for symptoms Daily long-acting bronchodilators Pulmonary rehabilitation Inhaled corticosteroids are indicated if hospitalized for frequent COPD exacerbations Consider adding a PDE4 inhibitor Daily long-acting bronchodilators as above plus inhaled corticosteroids to reduce exacerbations Oral steroid bursts for exacerbations Combination therapy as above Oral steroids as needed
Very severe < 30% or < 50% plus chronic respiratory failure < 0.7
Bronchodilator Medications
Beta-agonists Albuterol
Adapted from Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2008
Albuterol is recommended as the first-line treatment for patients with symptoms of mild COPD because the onset of bronchodilator effect (15 minutes) is more rapid than ipratropium (30-90 minutes). The dose-response curve of albuterol for improvement in FEV1 continues to increase to at least eight puffs. Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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Albuterol is a racemic combination of two isomers: the "R" isomer (levalbuterol) that is a potent bronchodilator, and the "S" isomer that has been shown in animal studies to counteract bronchodilation and can promote inflammation. Clinical studies have not consistently shown greater bronchodilation or fewer side effects of levalbuterol over equivalent doses of a racemic agent such as albuterol. In individual patients with COPD who demonstrate excessive tachycardia and/or tremor, levalbuterol may be an acceptable alternative as a trial agent, especially in patients whose symptoms worsen or show no improvement with anticholinergic medications (Scott, 2003 [Low Quality Evidence]). Anticholinergics Ipratropium The duration of bronchodilation from ipratropium is longer than albuterol. The dose-response curve for ipratroprium levels off above six puffs, whereas therapeutic efficacy for albuterol continues to increase at higher doses, although side effects such as tremor can develop. Studies were small and may not have been of a statistical power to detect differences between bronchodilators. Ipratropium is to be used on a regularly scheduled basis rather than as needed because its dose-response time is too long to titrate its use to control symptoms. (Rennard, 1996 [Meta-analysis]; Blosser, 1995 [High Quality Evidence]; Easton, 1986 [High Quality Evidence])
Return to Algorithm
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Aclidinium bromide is a new inhaled long-acting anticholinergic. The FDA has approved the use of aclidinium for treatment of COPD. In original studies, aclidinium 200 mcg daily was compared to placebo and found to have improved FEV1 at set intervals, improved symptom scores, and in one arm of study, a delay to exacerbation (Jones, 2011 [High Quality Evidence]). Phase II/III clinical trials suggested that greater FEV1 improvement occurred at higher doses and daily schedule therefore, a 400 mcg daily schedule was recommended, due in part to rapid metabolism to inactive metabolites, minimizing potential for systemic side effects (Sentellas, 2010 [High Quality Evidence]). In a head-to-head study comparing aclidinium 400 mcg 2x daily versus tiotropium 8 mcg daily to placebo; there were significant improvements in FEV1 (up to 221 mL improvement at day 15 with aclidinium, 224 mL with tiotropium). Nighttime symptoms may be better controlled with aclidinium, owing to daily dosing (Fuhr, 2012 [High Quality Evidence). The FDA-approved dose of aclidinium is 400 mcg twice daily. Larger-phase III studies are still pending to further evaluate nighttime symptoms and longer-study duration/outcome data. Statistically significant side effects, including cardiovascular, have not been observed when comparing aclidinium versus placebo (Jones, 2011 [High Quality Evidence]). Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) Currently available LABAs are analogues of albuterol, giving them a half-life of approximately 12 hours (as opposed to 4-6 hours for albuterol), enabling twice-daily dosing. LABAs should be viewed as maintenance therapy and should not be used as rescue therapy. Arformoterol Arformoterol is an inhalation solution that is dosed twice daily. It is for use by nebulization only, which may be beneficial to patients who struggle with coordinating metered-dose or dry powder inhalers. Formoterol Twice-daily dosing of formoterol offers advantages similar to those of salmeterol. Data also show that formoterol has quicker onset of action than salmeterol (Kottakis, 2002 [High Quality Evidence]; Dahl, 2001 [High Quality Evidence]). Salmeterol GlaxoSmithKline, maker of salmeterol, funded a study that showed salmeterol gave greater increase in FEV1 and FVC than albuterol or ipratropium, much longer duration of bronchodilation and, therefore, greater "area under the curve." Improvements in dyspnea and exercise tolerance were similar to those using ipratropium. Sixteen weeks of salmeterol therapy provided an increased baseline FEV1 of 7%. Salmeterol at doses of eight puffs produced no significant cardiovascular effects in patients with COPD (heart rate or PVCs). However, tremor developed after four puffs. Quality-of-life indicators increased with salmeterol compared to as-needed use of albuterol. Significant evidence exists for salmeterol to be used as a scheduled treatment for COPD. When compared to other beta-agonists, its benefits include a higher and more prolonged bronchodilation effect. In addition, salmeterol's twicedaily dosing compared to four times/day dosing required by albuterol and ipratropium may improve compliance (Patakas, 1998 [High Quality Evidence]; Matera, 1996 [High Quality Evidence]; Matera, 1995 [High Quality Evidence]).
Bronchodilator Summary
Albuterol is the preferred agent for as-needed control of symptoms in patients with mild COPD and as an additive as-needed agent to a scheduled bronchodilator in patients with more severe COPD because the onset of bronchodilator effect (15 minutes) is more rapid than ipratropium (30-90 minutes). Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
Tiotropium has been shown to be a superior scheduled bronchodilator to salmeterol and ipratropium. As a scheduled bronchodilator, salmeterol has the main advantage of requiring only twice-daily dosing, and therefore may improve compliance. Albuterol and ipratropium are equipotent as bronchodilators, improving dyspnea and exercise tolerance equally well. Salmeterol is a long-acting bronchodilator that is a suitable agent for scheduled administration. (Brusasco, 2003 [High Quality Evidence]; Donohue, 2002 [High Quality Evidence]; Hvizdos, 2002 [Low Quality Evidence])
Glucocorticosteroids
The effects of both inhaled and oral corticosteroids are much less robust in patients with COPD when compared to asthma. Therefore, the role of glucocorticosteroids in the management of stable COPD is limited to specific situations (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]). The dose-response relationships and long-term safety of inhaled glucocorticosteroids are not known. Inhaled glucocorticosteroids. Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids does not modify the decline in FEV1 observed in patients with COPD (Burge, 2000 [High Quality Evidence]; Pauwels, 1999 [High Quality Evidence]; Vestbo, 1999 [High Quality Evidence]). However, with regular treatment, inhaled steroids have been shown to reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve health status in patients with FEV1 less than 50% predicted and history of frequent exacerbations. An inhaled corticosteroid combined with a long-acting beta-2-agonist is more effective than the individual components in reducing exacerbations and improving lung function as well as health status. However, treatment with inhaled glucocorticosteroids or a combination inhaler increases the likelihood of pneumonia and does not reduce overall mortality (Caverley, 2007 [High Quality Evidence]). Further, higher-dose inhaled steroids have been associated with a greater risk of pneumonia than moderatedose inhaled steroids (Ernst, 2007 [Low Quality Evidence]). There is no data documenting greater efficacy with high-dose versus moderate-dose inhaled steroids for patients with COPD. Therefore, use of high dose inhaled steroids is not generally recommended, and a decision to use them needs to take into account the potential increased risk of pneumonia. Oral glucocorticosteroids. There is insufficient evidence to recommend a therapeutic trial of oral glucocorticosteroids in patients with COPD to determine whether a patient will benefit from long-term treatment of either oral or inhaled glucocorticosteroids. There is also insufficient evidence to demonstrate that longterm use of an oral glucocorticosteroid provides benefits for patients with COPD. Given the toxicity of long-term treatment and the lack of prospective studies on the long-term effects, long-term treatment with oral glucocorticosteroids is not recommended in the management of stable COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]). Oral corticosteroids in modest doses (30 to 40 mg a day of prednisone or its equivalent) and for no longer than two weeks are indicated in the treatment of acute exacerbations of COPD (Aaron, 2003 [High Quality Evidence]; Davies, 1999 [High Quality Evidence]; Niewoehner, 1999 [High Quality Evidence]; Thompson, 1996 [High Quality Evidence]).
Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitors
Roflumilast Roflumilast is an oral phosphodiesterase inhibitor approved for use in COPD in a dose of 500 mcg daily. Studies have shown a statistically significant though modest improvement in airflow and a reduction in exacerbations. A history of frequent exacerbation, chronic bronchitis, cough and sputum production have Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
predicted a higher chance of benefit. It appears to add benefit in patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting beta-agonists, but use of Roflumilast has not been evaluated in those receiving long-acting muscarinic antagonists. Noted side effects have included weight loss, nausea, diarrhea and headache. It is metabolized by the liver, and its use is contraindicated in those with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. The exact place in treatment is not defined, but it is a reasonable alternative for patients with moderate to very severe COPD with recurrent exacerbations (Bateman, 2011 [Systematic Review]; Rennard, 2011 [Systematic Review]; Calverley, 2009 [High Quality Evidence]; Calverley, 2007 [High Quality Evidence]).
Hydrofluoro-alkane (HFA) is now used as the propellant in many metered-dose inhalers. Clinicians should be aware of some important points regarding these inhalers and instruct patients accordingly: 1) Particle size is smaller with HFA propellants than CFC. This produces a mist that may feel different to the patient. 2) Priming the inhaler requires two to four pumps. The inhaler should be re-primed if not used for two weeks. 3) Manufacturers recommend cleaning the casing every two weeks to prevent clogging of the nozzle. The following Web site reviews patient information for metered-dose types of inhalers, inhaler technique and basic cleaning instructions for inhalers: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/how-to-use-your-metered-dose-inhaler-adults-the-basics?source=see_ link Dry powder inhaler (DPI) Dry powder inhalers are an alternative to metered-dose inhalers and are strongly supported by study data. Dry powder inhalers deliver drugs in dry powder form without the use of propellants. In addition, dry powder inhalers are breath-activated, eliminating the need to synchronize inhalation with actuation. Dry powder inhalers have been developed as a response to concerns about freon toxicity. Newer dry powder inhaler products deliver pure drug from self-enclosed, multiple-dose devices that help avoid the potential adverse effects of additives used in metered-dose inhalers. Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
The following Web site reviews patient information for dry powder types of inhalers, inhaler technique and basic cleaning instructions for inhalers: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/how-to-use-your-dry-powder-inhaler-adults-the-basics?source=see_ link See Appendix B for a hydrofluoro-alkane directory. Nebulizers Aerosol therapy via nebulizer is generally considered expensive, inconvenient and inefficient. Nebulizer therapy should be considered a second choice when compared with other modes of aerosol delivery, e.g., metered-dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers. Patients incapable of performing metered-dose inhaler or dry power inhaler maneuver may benefit from nebulizer therapies.
Theophylline
Theophylline has a narrow therapeutic index with potentially significant adverse effects and drug interactions that must be carefully considered and closely monitored during therapy. Lower doses have been shown to reduce exacerbations, and higher doses to provide effective bronchodilator activity; however, due to theophylline's potential toxicity (particularly at or near effective dosing), inhaled bronchodilators are preferred when available. In patients on regular long-acting bronchodilator therapy who need additional symptom control, adding theophylline may produce additional benefits. Toxicities positively associated with higher serum concentration include seizure and tachyarrhythmia. Other, more common adverse events occurring throughout the dosing range include headache, insomnia, nausea and heartburn. Theophylline is extensively hepatically metabolized; as a result, several drugs, cigarette smoking and hepatic insufficiency in addition to cardiac decompensation and age may alter clearance. A table of drug interactions with theophylline has been published (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]; Michalets, 1998 [Low Quality Evidence]).
Azithromycin
Azithromycin taken daily for one year, when added to usual treatment, decreased the frequency of exacerbations and improved quality of life (Albert, 2011 [High Quality Evidence]). Due to the long-term side effects and potential colonization with macrolide resistant bacteria, this should not be initiated without a specialty consultation.
Antitussives
Regular use of antitussives is not recommended in COPD since cough can have a significant protective effect.
Antiviral Agents
Antiviral medications are available to treat and prevent influenza, but should not be used as a substitute for vaccination unless it is contraindicated. When treatment with antivirals is initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset, severity and duration of symptoms may be reduced. (See the Centers for Disease Control recommendations at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/index.htm accessed December 18, 2012.) Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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There are two types of antiviral medications for influenza: adamantanes and neuraminidase inhibitors. The choice of antiviral therapy should follow guidance from public health authorities based on the strain of influenza currently circulating. (See the Centers for Disease Control recommendations at http://www.cdc. gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/index.htm [accessed December 18, 2012].)
Leukotriene Modifiers
This drug class has not been adequately tested in COPD patients, and its use cannot be recommended until additional evidence relative to its efficacy is available.
Mucolytics
In theory, reducing mucus viscosity and enhancing cough clearance or mucociliary clearance of mucus could improve pulmonary function and reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in individuals with COPD. Ideally, treatment would result in both objective (increase in FEV1) and subjective (better sense of well-being) improvement for those individuals. To date, there has been no conclusive evidence for significant improvement in pulmonary function with any of the agents studied so far. Guaifenesin is widely used as an over-the-counter expectorant, but documented objective or even subjective improvement has not been consistently demonstrated. (Houtmeyers, 1999 [Low Quality Evidence]; Rubin, 1999 [Low Quality Evidence])
Oral Beta-Agonists
Inhaled bronchodilator therapy is preferred.
Vaccines
Influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia together are the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. among persons 65 years of age or older. Immunization with pneumococcal and influenza vaccines is recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to reduce infectious complications involving the respiratory tract. All patients should be current with recommended vaccinations; however, clinicians need to ensure patients with COPD receive the following vaccinations related to respiratory conditions: Pneumococcal The pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13 and PPSV23) is recommended for adults older than 65 or with certain risk factors. Recommendations can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pneumo/ default.htm (accessed December 18, 2012). Influenza Influenza vaccine should be provided on an annual basis because of new antigens and waning immunity from the previous year. The optimal time for influenza vaccination is usually from early October through mid-November. To avoid a missed opportunity, vaccination can be done as soon as vaccine is available, but not prior to September. Vaccine may be given even after flu activity is known to be occurring in the community (Fiore, 2008a [Low Quality Evidence]; Couch, 2000 [Guideline]). Tdap-combined tetanus diptheria and pertussis vaccines Recommendations for Tdap can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/combo-vaccines/ DTaP-Td-DT/Tdap.htm (accessed December 18, 2012). Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
5. Non-Pharmacologic Interventions
Recommendations: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are effective in improving exercise capacity, quality of life and perception of symptoms, regardless of age (Di Meo, 2008 [Low Quality Evidence]). Long-term oxygen therapy (more than 15 hours per day) improves survival and quality of life in hypoxemic patients. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
The primary goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to decrease symptoms, improve quality of life and increase participation in everyday activities. To achieve these goals, pulmonary rehabilitation uses a multidisciplinary approach, including education and exercise training, and should be considered for patients with moderate, severe and very severe COPD (Gold, 2011 [Guideline]). Benefits have been demonstrated from rehabilitation programs conducted in inpatient, outpatient and home settings (Ries, 2007 [Guideline]; Lacasse, 1996 [Meta-analysis]; McGavin, 1977 [High Quality Evidence]). Pulmonary rehabilitation has been evaluated in several large clinical trials. The various benefits are listed below. Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD Improves exercise capacity Reduces perceived intensity of breathlessness Improves health-related quality of life Reduces the number of hospitalizations and days in hospital Reduces anxiety and depression associated with COPD Strength and endurance training of the upper limbs improves arm function Benefits extend well beyond the immediate period of training Respiratory muscle training is beneficial, especially when combined with general exercise training Psychosocial intervention may be helpful
Patients with moderate, severe or very severe COPD have shown benefit from exercise training programs with an improvement in exercise tolerance and a reduction in dyspnea and fatigue. These benefits do appear to wane after the program ends, but if exercise is maintained at home, the patient's health status continues to remain above pre-rehab levels (Spencer, 2010 [High Quality Evidence; van Wetering, 2010 [High Quality Evidence]). There currently is not sufficient evidence to determine whether repeated courses increase the likelihood a patient will maintain the benefits gained during the initial course. Refer to Appendix D, "Summary of Structure and Services Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program."
Oxygen Therapy
Important Points: Long-term oxygen therapy (more than 15 hours per day) improves survival and quality of life in patients with resting hypoxemia. Pulse oximetry is a good method for monitoring oxygen saturation and can be used in adjusting the oxygen flow setting. If the results are indefinite, then an arterial blood gas measurement should be obtained. Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
Indications for long-term oxygen therapy have been adopted by Medicare as reimbursement criteria.* Patients considered for long-term therapy may benefit from assessment by a pulmonologist. Supplemental long-term oxygen therapy should be provided at a flow rate sufficient to produce a resting PaO2 of greater than 55 mm Hg, or SaO2 greater than 89%. Titrate liter flow to goal at rest: add 1 L/min during exercise or sleep or titrate during exercise to goal of SaO2 greater than 89%. Titrate sleep liter flow to eight-hour sleep of SaO2 greater than 89%. Consider referral for sleep evaluation if patient experiences cyclic desaturation during sleep but is normoxemic at rest. Recheck SaO2 or PaO2 in one to three months if hypoxia developed during an acute exacerbation. Rechecks should be performed annually if hypoxia is discovered in an outpatient with stable COPD. The benefits of long-term oxygen therapy for patients without resting hypoxemia but with exercise or sleep-related hypoxemia have not been determined and are being addressed by the LOTT Trial, sponsored by NHLBI (Stoller, 2010 [Low Quality Evidence]).
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Algorithm Annotations
POC rentals can be per day/week/month. Patients should always carry a copy of their oxygen prescription.
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Algorithm Annotations
General selection guidelines for candidate selection for lung transplantation in COPD patients
Relative contraindications Age limits Heart-lung transplants ~ 55 years Double lung transplant ~ 60 years Single lung transplant ~ 65 years Symptomatic osteoporosis Oral corticosteroids greater than 20 mg day Psychosocial problems Requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation HIV infection Severe musculoskeletal disease affecting the thorax Substance addiction within previous six months Dysfunction of extrathoracic organ, particularly renal dysfunction Active malignancy within two years except basal or squamous cell carcinoma of skin Hepatitis B antigen positively Hepatitus C with biopsy-proven evidence of liver disease
Absolute contraindications
Source: Arcasoy, 1999 [Low Quality Evidence] Following the position of the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society (American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society COPD Standards, 2004 [Guideline]), appropriate candidate selection is as follows: FEV1 less than or equal to 25% predicted (without reversibility) Resting room air PaCO2 greater than 55 mmHg Elevated PaCO2 with progressive deterioration requiring long-term oxygen therapy Elevated pulmonary arterial pressure with progressive deterioration
A number of studies show that single lung transplant is safer and gives equal or improved spirometric parameters as compared to bilateral lung transplant (Arcasoy, 1999 [Low Quality Evidence]). Survival after transplant is 81.7%, 61.9% and 43.4% at one, three and five years. Perioperative mortality, rejection, bronchiolitis obliterans, cytomegalovirus, fungal and bacterial infections, and lymphoproliferative disease are associated with transplant surgery. Donor lung availability, high initial and ongoing immunosuppressive regimen costs are also factors that must be considered. Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
6. Ongoing Management
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Algorithm Annotations
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Algorithm Annotations
To increase the number of patients with severe COPD who have discussed specific treatment preferences and goals of care To name a durable power of attorney for health care or an appropriate proxy decision-maker For the patient with moderate to severe COPD, at a routine office visit ask the question, "Do you have a living will, advance care plan or advance directives?" Action: If yes, request that a copy be placed in the patient's medical record. Note: If this document was written before the patient's COPD symptoms became moderate to severe, the document may need updating. Action: If no, offer the patient written information on advance care planning, including health care directives, encourage him/her to discuss this with family members or a close friend, and offer to discuss any questions at the next office visit. An advance care plan should include patient treatment preferences in regards to hospitalization, life support (including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, endotracheal intubation and non-invasive ventilation), and end-of-life care. Action: Document the patient's treatment preferences in the patient's medical record, and request that a copy of the advance care plan with the health care directive be placed in the patient's medical record. See the ICSI Palliative Care guideline for more information regarding advance care planning. Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents Plan for discussion
7. Acute Exacerbation
Increased dyspnea Increased heart rate Increased cough
Signs and symptoms of an acute exacerbation of COPD may include any of the following:
Increased sputum production Change in sputum color or character Use of accessory muscles of respiration Peripheral edema Development or increase in wheezing Change in mental status Fatigue Fever Increased respiratory rate Decrease in FEV1 or peak expiratory flow Hypoxemia Chest tightness Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
Change in mental status or a combination of two or more of the following new symptoms indicates a severe acute exacerbation: Dyspnea at rest Cyanosis Respiratory rate of greater than 25 breaths per minute Heart rate of greater than 110 beats per minute Use of accessory muscles of respiration Return to Table of Contents
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8. Evaluation
History
When a patient with known COPD presents with a moderate to severe exacerbation, the following key elements of the history, physical examination and laboratory/radiology evaluation should be considered: Baseline respiratory status Present treatment regimen and recent medication use Signs of airway infection, e.g., fever and/or change in volume and/or color of sputum Duration of worsening symptoms Limitation of activities History of previous exacerbations Increased cough Decrease in exercise tolerance Chest tightness Change in alertness Other non-specific symptoms including malaise, difficulty sleeping and fatigue Symptoms associated with comorbid acute and chronic conditions Although rarely used, non-selective beta-blockers may contribute to bronchospasms Measurement of heart rate and blood pressure Measurement of respiratory rate Measurement of oxygen saturations using pulse oximetry Measurement of temperature Respiratory distress Accessory respiratory muscle use Increased pulmonary findings (e.g., wheezing, decreased air entry, prolonged expiratory phase) Peripheral edema Return to Table of Contents
Physical Examination
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Algorithm Annotations
Somnolence and/or hyperactivity Acute comorbid conditions Chest radiograph to exclude alternative diagnosis Arterial blood gas (in patients with an oxygen saturation less than 88%, positive history of hypercapnia, questionable accuracy of oximetry, somnolence or other evidence of impending respiratory failure [e.g., respiratory rate greater than 40 breaths per minute]) Theophylline level (if theophylline is being utilized) A sputum culture with susceptibilities, if available, should be performed when an infectious exacerbation does not respond to initial antibiotic treatment (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]). It is important that the sputum specimen is of good quality. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a simple blood lab test, can be of some use in evaluating a patient presenting with dyspnea, although its interpretation needs to be carefully applied along with clinical and other lab data such as chest radiograph and echocardiogram. Its sensitivity and specificity in this setting increase at levels above 400 but do not differentiate between acute left ventricular (LV) failure, cor pulmonale or pulmonary embolism (McCullough, 2002 [Low Quality Evidence]). It is of particular value if the level is very low. The probability of left ventricular failure as a cause of dyspnea is less than 10% if the brain natriuretic peptide is less than 100 (Maisel, 2002 [Low Quality Evidence]).
Laboratory/Radiology
In patients with an acute COPD exacerbation, spirometry is of little value. For that reason, oximetry and/ or arterial blood gases should be monitored. There is little evidence regarding the contribution of additional laboratory testing or the usefulness of electrocardiography or echocardiography in an acute exacerbation of COPD. They may be a useful consideration if the diagnosis is unclear, in order to evaluate other comorbid conditions. (McCrory, 2001 [Systematic Review]) Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
9. Treatment
Recommendations: Albuterol or levabuterol should be given in the setting of an acute exacerbation of COPD.
Ipratropium may be added to produce additive bronchodilation and allow the use of lower doses of albuterol or levabuterol. Steroids should be used in acute exacerbations. Clinicians must monitor oxygen saturation or arterial blood gas measurement. Bronchodilators
Consider the use of antibiotics in the presence of an exacerbation with purulent sputum.
Albuterol and levalbuterol are the preferred bronchodilators in the setting of an acute exacerbation of COPD because of their rapid onset of action. If clinical improvement does not occur promptly, ipratropium may be added to produce additive bronchodilation and allow the use of lower doses of albuterol or levabuterol, thus Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
diminishing dose-dependent toxicity. Administration of either agent by metered-dose inhaler and spacer or by nebulization is acceptable (Turner, 1997 [Meta-analysis]; Moayyedi, 1995 [High Quality Evidence]; Patrick, 1990 [High Quality Evidence]).
Systemic Steroids
Studies have demonstrated the benefits of systemic glucocorticosteroids in the management of COPD exacerbations. Doses of oral prednisone at 30 to 40 mg a day for 7 to 14 days have been shown to reduce symptoms and reduce the likelihood of hospitalization. Treatment beyond two weeks does not provide any additional benefit, but does increase the likelihood of significant side effects such as hyperglycemia. There is no need to discontinue inhaled steroids while the patient is taking oral prednisone (Aaron, 2003 [High Quality Evidence]; McEvoy, 2000 [Low Quality Evidence]; Davies, 1999 [High Quality Evidence]; Niewoehner, 1999 [High Quality Evidence]; Thompson, 1996 [High Quality Evidence]).
Antibiotics
Because one-third to one-half of all COPD exacerbations appears to be caused by bacterial infections, antibiotic use is frequently indicated. Viruses can also be detected in one-third to two-thirds of exacerbations when culture, serology and PCR-based testing are used. There is a relationship between exacerbation occurrence and new bacterial pathogen acquisition (Rosell, 2005 [Low Quality Evidence]; Mons, 1995 [Low Quality Evidence]). The GOLD 2011 guideline recommends use of antibiotics for patients with COPD exacerbations who have two of these three symptoms: increased dyspnea, increased sputum volume and increased sputum purulence. Routine use of sputum cultures in all patients is not recommended due to the long turnaround time and unreliable results. In COPD patients with frequent exacerbations or suspected resistant organisms, such as Pseudomonas, it may be helpful to obtain a culture (Global Inititative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2011 [Guideline]). Choice of antibiotic should be based on patient factors, including living situation (private residence, assisted living type setting, or long-term care), severity of illness and recent use of antibiotics. Also, local bacterial resistance patterns should be taken into consideration. The GOLD guideline recommends initial empirical treatment with an aminopenicillin with or without clavulanic acid, a macrolide or tetracycline. Fluoroquinolones also can be used in higher-risk patients, especially those over 65 years old and/or having more than three exacerbations per year (Global Inititative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]).
The following criteria may be used as evidence of improvement in COPD exacerbation: Decreased work of breathing and improved oxygen exchange Decrease in cough, sputum production, fever or dyspnea Return to Table of Contents
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Algorithm Annotations
Decrease in respiratory rate Decrease in heart rate Decrease in accessory muscle use Increase in function and endurance Return to Table of Contents
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A follow-up appointment between the primary care clinician and the patient should occur within one to four weeks to reassess management strategies and supplemental oxygen needs. Return to Table of Contents
The following may be indications to consider hospital admission for an acute exacerbation of COPD: Marked increase in intensity of symptoms, such as sudden development of resting dyspnea History of severe COPD, especially if mechanical ventilation was required Onset of new physical signs (e.g., cyanosis, peripheral edema) Failure of exacerbation to respond to initial outpatient medical management High-risk comorbidities, pulmonary (e.g., pneumonia requiring hospitalization) or cardiac symptoms Increasing hypoxemia despite supplemental oxygen New or worsening carbon dioxide (CO2) retention or pH less than 7.32 Marked decrease in ability to ambulate, eat or sleep due to dyspnea History of prolonged, progressive symptoms Newly occurring arrhythmias Diagnostic uncertainty Older age Insufficient home support Decrease in alertness Pulmonary embolism
(Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2011 [Guideline]; Rizkallah, 2009 [Systematic Review]; McCrory, 2001 [Systematic Review]) Return to Algorithm Return to Table of Contents
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The Aims and Measures section is intended to provide protocol users with a menu of measures for multiple purposes that may include the following: population health improvement measures, quality improvement measures for delivery systems, measures from regulatory organizations such as Joint Commission, measures that are currently required for public reporting, measures that are part of Center for Medicare Services Clinician Quality Reporting initiative, and other measures from local and national organizations aimed at measuring population health and improvement of care delivery. This section provides resources, strategies and measurement for use in closing the gap between current clinical practice and the recommendations set forth in the guideline. The subdivisions of this section are: Aims and Measures Implementation Recommendations Implementation Tools and Resources Implementation Tools and Resources Table
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4. Decrease the percentage of COPD patients who have exacerbation requiring emergency department evaluation or hospital admission. (Annotations #4, 5) Measures for accomplishing this aim: a. Percentage of COPD patients seen in emergency department for COPD-related exacerbations in one month. b. Percentage of COPD patients who require hospital admission for COPD-related exacerbations in one month. c. Percentage of COPD patients with two or more hospitalizations over a 12-month period. Return to Table of Contents
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5. Increase the percentage of patients who have education and management skills with COPD. (Annotations #5, 6) Measures for accomplishing this aim: a. Percentage of patients with moderate or severe COPD who have been referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation or exercise program. b. Percentage of patients with COPD who have discussed health care directives (or advanced directives) and goals of care with their health care professional. Return to Table of Contents
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Measurement Specifications
Measure #1a
Percentage of patients with a diagnosis of COPD who had spirometry testing to establish COPD diagnosis.
# of patients who had spirometry testing to establish COPD diagnosis # of patients with COPD
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with COPD who had spirometry testing to establish COPD diagnosis. Number of patients with COPD diagnosis.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD. Review records to determine whether spirometry testing was used to establish COPD diagnosis.
Notes
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Measure #2a
Percentage of patients with COPD who are asked about smoking and smoking exposure at every visit with clinician.
# of patients with COPD who are asked about smoking and smoking exposure at every visit with clinician # of patients with COPD
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator: Number of patients with COPD.
Number of patients with COPD who are asked about smoking and smoking exposure at every visit with clinician.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD. Review records to determine whether patients were asked at every visit with clinician about smoking and smoking exposure.
Notes
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Measure #2b
Percentage of patients with COPD who are smokers who have assessment of readiness to attempt smoking cessation.
# of patients who have assessment of readiness to attempt smoking cessation # of patients with COPD and smokers
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with COPD and smokers who have assessment of readiness to attempt smoking cessation. Number of patients with COPD diagnosis and smokers.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD who also smoke. Review records to determine whether they had assessment of readiness to attempt smoking cessation at any time during measurement period.
Notes
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Measure #2c
Percentage of COPD patients who are smokers who receive a smoking cessation intervention.
# of patients who receive a smoking cessation intervention # of patients with COPD and smokers
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with COPD and smokers who receive a smoking cessation intervention. Number of patients with COPD diagnosis and smokers.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD and who are also smokers. Review records to determine whether they received a smoking cessation intervention during measurement period.
Notes
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Measure #2d
Percentage of patients with COPD and smokers who quit smoking (100% quit-rate goal).
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with COPD and smokers who quit smoking. Number of patients with COPD diagnosis and smokers.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD and who are also smokers. Review records to determine whether they quit smoking at some point of their care.
Notes
This is an outcome measure, and improvement is noted as an increase in the rate. The target goal for quit rate is 100%.
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Measure #3a
Percentage of patients with COPD who are prescribed appropriate therapy, including: an influenza vaccine in the previous 12 months a pneumococcal vaccine long-term oxygen assessment and prescription for long-term home oxygen for those who are hypoxic and meet criteria short-acting bronchodilator (when needed) long-acting bronchodilator (when needed) corticosteroids (when needed)
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with COPD who are prescribed appropriate therapy, including: an influenza vaccine in the previous 12 months a pneumococcal vaccine long-term oxygen assessment and prescription for long-term home oxygen for those who are hypoxic and meet criteria short-acting bronchodilator (when needed) long-acting bronchodilator (when needed) corticosteroids (when needed)
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD and determine if they were prescribed an appropriate therapy based on their need.
Notes
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Measure #4a
Percentage of COPD patients seen in emergency room for COPD-related exacerbations in one month.
# of patients seen in emergency room for COPD-related exacerbations # of patients with COPD
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with COPD who are seen in emergency room for COPD-related exacerbations in one month. Number of patients with COPD diagnosis.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD. Review records to determine whether they were seen in the emergency room for COPD-related exacerbations.
Notes
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Measure #4b
Percentage of COPD patients who require hospital admission for COPD-related exacerbations in one month.
# of patients who were hospitalized for COPD-related exacerbations # of patients with COPD
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with COPD who were hospitalized for COPD-related exacerbations in one month. Number of patients with COPD diagnosis.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD. Review records to determine whether they were hospitalized during the measurement period for COPD-related exacerbations.
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Measure #4c
Percentage of COPD patients with two or more hospitalizations over a 12-month period.
# of patients who were hospitalized two or more times # of patients with COPD
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with COPD who were hospitalized for COPD-related exacerbations two or more times over a 12-month period. Number of patients with COPD diagnosis.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD diagnosis during a 12-month measurement period. Review records to determine whether they were hospitalized during this measurement period for COPD-related exacerbations two or more times.
Notes
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Measure #5a
Percentage of patients with moderate or severe COPD who have been referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation or exercise program.
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with moderate or severe COPD referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation or exercise program. Number of patients with moderate or severe COPD.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with moderate or severe COPD diagnosis during measurement period. Determine whether patients were referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation or exercise program at any time.
Notes
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Measure #5b
Percentage of patients with COPD who have discussed Advance Care Planning, including health care directives (or advanced directives) and goals of care with their health care professional.
# of patients who had health care directives and goals of care discussed # of patients with COPD
Numerator/Denominator Definitions
Numerator: Denominator:
Number of patients with COPD who have discussed advance care planning, including health care directives (or advanced directives) and goals of care with their health care professional. Number of patients with COPD diagnosis.
Review electronic medical records for all patients with COPD. Determine whether patients had health care directives and goals of care discussed at any time.
Notes
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Implementation Recommendations
Prior to implementation, it is important to consider current organizational infrastructure that address the following: System and process design Training and education Culture and the need to shift values, beliefs and behaviors of the organization.
The following system changes were identified by the guideline work group as key strategies for health care systems to incorporate in support of the implementation of this guideline: A model of patient education should be established in the clinics based upon individual learning needs assessments and including coordinated plans jointly developed by educators, patients and their families. Patient education should include core learning and needs objectives based upon individual needs. Establish tobacco status at each visit. Advise to quit and provide supportive interventions including pharmacotherapy if appropriate.
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American Association of Online searchable program directory Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation American Association of Colleges of Nursing American College of Chest Clinicians Provides information on conferences, products and resources for nurses on all aspects of end-of-life care. Most resources available for a fee.
http://www.aarc.org/osc/
Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines Primarily provides support for patients with COPD and other lung diseases. Also contains health care clinicians education tools developed by the Minnesota COPD Coalition: Quick Glance Guide to COPD Guidelines Quick Glance Guide to Spirometry Quick Glance Guide to Oxygen Therapy COPD Action Plan COPD Billing Codes and Service
Comprehensive Web site for COPD. Includes definition, diagnosis, risk factors, pathology. Course for specialists to increase their knowledge of use and interpretation of pulmonary function tests.
http://quality.thoracic.org
Spirometry standardization
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Mayo Clinic Return to Table of Contents
Guidelines for professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. Resources include pocket guides, patient guides, teaching and educational materials.
Patients
http://www.goldcopd.com
http://www.thoracic.org/statements/resources/pfet/PFT2.pdf
http://www.mayoclinic.com/ health/copd/DS00916
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Author/Organization
Surgeon General Return to Table of Contents
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Supporting Evidence:
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References
Links are provided for those new references added to this edition (author name is highlighted in blue).
Aaron SD, Vandemheen KL, Hebert P, et al. Outpatient oral prednisone after emergency treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 2003;348:2618-25. (High Quality Evidence) Albert RK, Connett J, Bailey WC, et al. Azithromycin for prevention of exacerbations of COPD. N Engl J Med 2011;365:689-98. (High Quality Evidence) American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC). AARC Clinical Practice Guideline. Respir Care 1996;41:629-36. (Guideline) American Thoracic Society (ATS). ATS statement: standards for the diagnosis and care of patients with COPD. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1995;152:S77-S120. (Guideline) American Thoracic Society Documents. American thoracic society/European respiratory society statements: standards for the diagnosis and management of individuals with alpha-1 antitrypsin deciency. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2003;168:818-900. (Guideline) Amsden GW, Baird IM, Simon S, Treadway G. Efcacy and safety of azithromycin vs levooxacin in the outpatient treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Chest 2003;123:772-77. (High Quality Evidence) Arcasoy SM, Kotloff RM. Lung transplantation. N Engl J Med 1999;340:1081-91. (Low Quality Evidence) Bateman ED, Rabe KF, Calverley PMA, et al. Roumilast with long-acting B2-agonists for COPD: inuence of exacerbation history. Eur Respir J 2011;38:553-60. (Systematic Review) Bauldoff GS, Hoffman LA. Teaching COPD patients upper extremity exercises at home. Perspect Resp Nurs 1997;8:3-4. (Class Not Assignable) Blosser SA, Maxwell SL, Reeves-Hoche MK, et al. Is an anticholinergic agent superior to 2 agonist in improving dyspnea and exercise limitation in COPD? Chest 1995;108:730-35. (High Quality Evidence) Bone RC, Pierce AK, Johnson RL. Controlled oxygen administration in acute respiratory failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a reappraisal. Am J Med 1978;65:896-902. (Low Quality Evidence) Boushy SF, Kohen R, Billig DM, Heiman MJ. Bullous emphysema: clinical, roentgenologic and physiologic study of 49 patients. Dis Chest 1968;54:17-24. (Low Quality Evidence) Bower JS, Brook CJ, Zimmer K, et al. Performance of a demand oxygen saver system during rest, exercise, and sleep in hypoxemic patients. Chest 1988;94:77-80. (Low Quality Evidence) Brusasco V, Hodder R, Miravitlles M, et al. Health outcomes following treatment for six months with once daily tiotropium compared with twice daily salmeterol in patients with COPD. Thorax 2003;58:399-404. (High Quality Evidence) BTS guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thorax 1997;52(Suppl 5):S1-S27. (Guideline) Burge PS, Jones PW, Anderson JA, et al. Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study of uticasone propionate in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the ISOLDE trial. BMJ 2000;320:1297-1303. (High Quality Evidence) Calverley PMA, Anderson JA, Celli B, et al. Salmeterol and uticasone propionate and survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 2007;356:775-89. (High Quality Evidence) Calverley PMA, Rabe KF, Goehring UM, et al. Roumilast in symptomatic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: two randomised clinical trials. Lancet 2009;374:685-94. (High Quality Evidence)
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References
Calverley PMA, Sanchez-Toril F, McIvor A, et al. Effect of 1-year treatment with roumilast in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007;176:154-61. (High Quality Evidence) Carskadon MA, Dement WC. Respirations during sleep in the aged human. J Gerontol 1981;136:42023. (Low Quality Evidence) Cazzola M, Noschese P, Centanni S, et al. Salmeterol/uticasone propionate in a single inhaler device versus theophylline + uticasone propionate in patients with COPD. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2004;17:14145. (High Quality Evidence) Centers for Disease Control. Prevention and control of inuenza. MMWR 1999;48 [RR-4]. (Low Quality Evidence) Couch RB. Prevention and treatment of inuenza. N Engl J Med 2000;343:1778-87. (Guideline) Dahl R, Greefhorst LAPM, Nowak D, et al. Inhaled formoterol dry powder versus impratropium bromide in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001;164:778-84. (High Quality Evidence) Dale LC, Glover ED, Sachs DPL, et al. Bupropion for smoking cessation*/predictors of successful outcome. Chest 2001;199:1357-64. (High Quality Evidence) Davies L, Angus RM, Calverley PMA. Oral corticosteroids in patients admitted to hospital with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective randomised controlled trial. Lancet 1999;354:456-60. (High Quality Evidence) Di Meo F, Pedone C, Lubich S, et al. Age does not hamper the response to pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD patients. Age and Ageing 2008. (Low Quality Evidence) Donohue JF, van Noord JA, Bateman ED, et al. A 6-month, placebo-controlled study comparing lung function and health status changes in COPD patients treated with tiotropium or salmeterol. Chest 2002;122:47-55. (High Quality Evidence) Easton PA, Jadue C, Dhingra S, et al. A comparison of the bronchodilating effects of a 2 andernergic agent (albuterol) and an anticholinergic agent (ipratropium bromide), given by aerosol alone or in sequence. N Engl J Med 1986;315: 735-39. (High Quality Evidence) Ernst P, Gonzalez AV, Brassard P, Suissa S. Inhaled corticosteroid use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the risk of hospitalization for pneumonia. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2007;176:162-66. (Low Quality Evidence) Ferguson GT, Enright PL, Buist AS, et al. Ofce spirometry for lung health assessment in adults: a consensus statement from the national lung health education program. Chest 2000;117:1146-61. (Low Quality Evidence) Fiore AE, Shay DK, Broder K, et al. Prevention and control of inuenza: recommendations of the advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP), 2008a. MMWR 2008;57:1-60. (Low Quality Evidence) Fiore MC, Jan CR, Baker TB, et cl. Treating tobacco use and dependence: 2008 update. Clinical Practice Guideline. Executive Summary. Rockville MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Public Health Service. May 2008b. (Guideline) Fuhr R, Magnussen H, Sarem K, et al. Efcacy of aclidinium bromide 400 ug twice daily compared with placebo and tiotropium in patients with moderate to severe COPD. Chest 2012;141:745-52. (High Quality Evidence) Gibson RL, Comer PB, Beckman RW, et al. Actual tracheal oxygen concentration with commonly used oxygen therapy. Anesthesiology 1976;44:71-73. (Low Quality Evidence)
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References
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 2011. (Guideline) Hodgkin JE. Prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Clin Chest Med 1990;11:555-69. (Low Quality Evidence) Hosenpud JD, Bennett LE, Keck BM, et al. Effect of diagnosis on survival benet of lung transplantation for end-stage lung disease. Lancet 1998;351:24-27. (Low Quality Evidence) Houtmeyers E, Gosselink R, Gayan-Ramirez G, et al. Effects of drugs on mucus clearance. Eur Resp J 1999;14:452-67. (Low Quality Evidence) Hvizdos KM, Goa KL. Tiotropium bromide. Drugs 2002;62:1195-1203. (Low Quality Evidence) Jones PW, Rennard SI, Agusti A, et al. Efcacy and safety of once-daily aclidinium in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respir Res 2011;12:55. (High Quality Evidence) Kory RC, Bergmann JC, Sweet RD, et al. Comparative evaluation of oxygen therapy techniques. JAMA 1962;179:123-28. (Low Quality Evidence) Kottakis J, Cioppa GD, Creemers J, et al. Faster onset of bronchodilation with formoterol than with salmeterol in patients with stable, moderate to severe COPD: results of a randomized, double-blind clinical study. Can Respir J 2002;9:107-15. (High Quality Evidence) Lacasse Y, Wong E, Guyatt GH, et al. Meta-analysis of respiratory rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lancet 1996;348:1115-19. (Meta-analysis) Laros CD, Gelissen HJ, Bergstein PGM, et al. Bullectomy for giant bullae in emphysema. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 91:63-70, 1986. (Low Quality Evidence) Matera MG, Caputi M, Cazzola M. A combination with clinical recommended dosages of salmeterol and ipratropium is not more effective than salmeterol alone in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respir Med 1996;90:497-99. (High Quality Evidence) Matera MG, Cazzola M, Vinciguerra A, et al. A comparison of the bronchodilating effects of salmeterol, salbutamol and ipratropium bromide in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulm Pharmacol 1995;8:267-71. (High Quality Evidence) McCrory DC, Brown C, Gelfand SE, Bach PB. Management of acute exacerbations of COPD: a summary and appraisal of published evidence. Chest 2001;119:1190-1209. (Systematic Review) McCullough PA, Nowak RM, McCord J, et al. B-type natriuretic peptide and clinical judgment in emergency diagnosis of heart failure: analysis from breathing not properly (BNP) multinational study. Circulation 2002;106:416-22. (Low Quality Evidence) McEvoy CE, Niewoehner DE. Corticosteroids in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: clinical benets and risks. Clin Chest Med 2000;21:739-52. (Low Quality Evidence) McGavin CR, Gupta SP, Lloyd El, McHardy GJR. Physical rehabilitation for the chronic bronchitic: results of a controlled trial of exercises in the home. Thorax 1977;32:307-11. (High Quality Evidence) Michalets EL. Update: clinically signicant cytochrome P-450 drug interactions. Pharmacotherapy 1998;18:84-112. (Low Quality Evidence) Moayyedi P, Congleton J, Page RL, et al. Comparison of nebulised salbutamol and ipratropium bromide with salbutamol alone in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thorax 1995;50:83437. (High Quality Evidence) disease: a study Mons E, Ruiz J, Rosell A, et al. Bacterial infection in chronic obstructive pulmonary of stable and exacerbated outpatients using the protected specimen brush. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1995;152:1316-20. (Low Quality Evidence)
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References
National Emphysema Treatment Trial Research Group. A randomized trial comparing lung-volumereduction surgery with medical therapy for severe emphysema. N Engl J Med 2003;348:2059-73. (High Quality Evidence) Niewoehner DE, Erbland ML, Deupree RH, et al. Effect of systemic glucocorticoids on exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 1999;340:1941-47. (High Quality Evidence) Niewoehner DE, Rice K, Cote C, et al. Prevention of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with tiotropium, a once-daily inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilator: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2005;143:317-26. (High Quality Evidence) Oostenbrink JB, Rutten-van Mlken MJ, Van Noord JA, Vincken W. One-year cost-effectiveness of tiotropium versus ipratropium to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Eur Respir J 2004;23:24149. (Cost-Effectiveness Analysis) Patakas D, Andreadis D, Mavrofridis E, et al. Comparison of the effects of salmeterol and ipratropium bromide on exercise performance and breathlessness in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Resp Med 1998;92:1116-21. (High Quality Evidence) Patrick DM, Dales RE, Stark RM, et al. Severe exacerbations of COPD and asthma: incremental benet of adding ipratropium to usual therapy. Chest 1990;98:295-97. (High Quality Evidence) Pauwels RA, Lfdahl CG, Laitinen LA, et al. Long-term treatment with inhaled budesonide in persons with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who continue smoking. N Engl J Med 1999;340:194853. (High Quality Evidence) Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, Weinberger SE, et al. Diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical practice guideline update from the American college of physicians, American college of chest physicians, American thoracic society, and European respiratory society. Ann Intern Med 2011;155:179-91. (Guideline) Rennard S, Serby CW, Ghafouri M, et al. Extended therapy with ipratropium is associated with improved lung function in patients with COPD. Chest 1996;110:62-70. (Meta-analysis) Rennard SI, Calverley PMA, Goehring UM, et al. Reduction of exacerbations by the PDE4 inhibitor roumilast the importance of dening different subsets of patients with COPD. Resp Res 2011;12:18. (Systematic Review) Ries AL, Bauldoff GS, Carlin BW, et al. Pulmonary rehabilitation: joint ACCP/AACVPR evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest 2007;131:4S-42S. (Guideline) Rizkallah J, Man SFP, Sin DD. Prevalance of pulmonary embolism in acute exacerbations of COPD: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Chest 2009:135:786-93. (Systematic Review) Rosell A, Mons E, Soler N, et al. Microbiologic determinants of exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Arch Intern Med 2005;165:891-97. (Low Quality Evidence) Scott VL, Frazee LA. Retrospective comparison of nebulized levalbuterol and albuterol for adverse events in patients with acute airow obstruction. Am J Therapeutics 2003;10:341-47. (Low Quality Evidence) Sentellas S, Ramos I, Alberti J, et al. Aclidinium bromide, a new, long-acting, inhaled muscarinic antagonist: In vitro plasma inactivation and pharmacological activity of its main metabolites. Eur J Pharm Sci 2010;39:283-90. (High Quality Evidence) Singh S, Loke YK, Furberg CD. Inhaled anticholinergics and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA 2008;300:1439-50. (Systematic Review)
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References
Soffer M, Tashkin DP, Shapireo BJ, et al. Conservation of oxygen supply using a reservoir nasal cannula in hypoxemic patients at rest and during exercise. Chest 1985;88:663-68. (Low Quality Evidence) Spencer LM, Alison JA, McKeough ZJ. Maintaining benets following pulmonary rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial. Eur Respir J 2010;35:571-77. (High Quality Evidence) Stoller JK, Aboussouan LS. Alpha1-antitrypsin deciency. Lancet 2005;365:2225-36. (Low Quality Evidence) Stoller JK, Panos RJ, Krachman S, et al. Oxygen therapy for patients with COPD: current evidence and the long-term oxygen treatment trial. Chest 2010;138:179-87. (Low Quality Evidence) Tashkin DP, Celli B, Senn S, et al. A 4-year trial of tiotropium in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med 2008;359:1543-54. (High Quality Evidence) Thompson WH, Nielson CP, Carvalho P, et al. Controlled trial of oral prednisone in outpatients with acute COPD exacerbation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1996;154:407-12. (High Quality Evidence) Turner MO, Patel A, Ginsburg S, FitzGerald M. Bronchodilator delivery in acute airow obstruction: a meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med 1997;157:1736-44. (Meta-analysis) van Noord JA, Aumann JL, Janssens E, et al. Effects of tiotropium with and without formoterol on airow obstruction and resting hyperination in patients with COPD. Chest 2006;129:509-17. (High Quality Evidence) van Wetering CR, Hoogendoorn M, Mol SJM, et al. Short- and long-term efcacy of a communitybased COPD management programme in less advanced COPD: a randomised controlled trial. Thorax 2010;65:7-13. (High Quality Evidence) Vestbo J, Srensen T, Lange P, et al. Long-term effect of inhaled budesonide in mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 1999;353:1819-23. (High Quality Evidence) Wilt TJ, Niewoehner D, Kim C, et al. Use of spirometry for case nding, diagnosis, and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ). 2005. (Systematic Review)
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180-360 mcg
360-540 mcg
540-1440 mcg
fluticasone*
88-264 mcg
264-660 mcg
660-1,760 mcg
mometasone*
220 mcg
440-660 mcg^
880 mcg^
Inhaled Steroid/Beta-2 Agonist Combination 10.2 gram inhaler (80 mcg budesonide /4.5 mcg formoterol) 10.2 gram inhaler (160 mcg/4.5 mcg) 12 g inhaler (45 mcg fluticasone/21 mcg salmeterol) 160 mcg budesonide/9 mcg formoterol every 12 hours^^ 320 mcg/budesonide/9 mcg formoterol every 12 hours^^
budesonide/formoterol***
230 mcg 90 mcg 460 mcg 12 g inhaler (115 mcg fluticasone/ 21 mcg fluticasone/42 mcg fluticasone/42 mcg fluticasone/42 mcg salmeterol every 12 salmeterol every salmeterol) salmeterol every hrs 12 hrs 12 hrs 12 g inhaler (230 mcg fluticasone/ 21 mcg salmeterol) fluticasone/salmeterol** 100/50 diskus inhaler (100 mcg fluticasone/50 mcg salmeterol) 250/50 diskus inhaler (250 mcg fluticasone/50 mcg salmeterol) 500/50 diskus inhaler (500 mcg fluticasone & 50 mcg salmeterol/actuation) 100/5 inhaler (100 mcg mometasone/5 mcg formoterol) mometasone/formoteral* 200/5 inhaler (200 mcg mometasone/5 mcg formoterol) * No FDA approved indication for COPD **Fluticasone 250 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg Diskus twice daily is the only approved dosage for the treatment of COPD associated with chronic bronchitis. Higher doses, including fluticasone 500 mcg/salmeterol 50 mcg Diskus, are not recommended. *** Budesonide/formoterol is approved for COPD at the 160/mcg/4.5 mcg dose. Other doses including 80 mcg/4.5 mcg are not recommended. ^May be given in the evening or in divided doses twice daily ^^Patients should be advised NOT to take more than 2 inhalations twice daily of either strengths. Notes: The most important determinant of appropriate dosing in the clinican's judgement of the patient's response to therapy. The clinican must monitor the patient's response on several clinical parameters and adjust the dose accordingly. The stepwise approach to therapy emphasizes that once control of COPD is achieved, the dose of medication should be carefully titrated to the minimum dose required to maintain control, thus reducing the potential for adverse effect. References: package inserts, Clinical Pharmacology, Drug Information Handbook, Facts & Comparisons, Micromedex (Accessed January 2013) n/a
250 mcg 500 mcg 100 mcg fluticasone/50 mcg fluticasone/50 mcg fluticasone/50 mcg salmeterol every 12 salmeterol every salmeterol every hrs 12 hrs 12 hrs
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Active Ingredient
Racemic albuterol 90 mcg per dose Racemic albuterol 90 mcg per dose
Dose Counter
Yes
Priming Instructions
Frequency of Washing
Before first use or when not used > 2 weeks: 3 sprays Before first use or when not used > 2 weeks: 4 sprays Before first use: 4 sprays After 2 weeks non-use: 4 sprays After MDI is dropped: 1 spray Before first use or when not used > 30 days: 4 sprays Before first use or when not used > 3 days: 2 sprays Before first use: 4 sprays After 4 weeks non-use or if dropped: 2 sprays Before first use: 4 sprays After 7 days or when dropped: 1 spray Before first use: 2 sprays or if not used > 10 days Before first use or not used: > 10 days: 3 sprays Before first use or not used: > 7 days or dropped: 2 sprays
Wash plastic actuator weekly with warm water; air dry Wash plastic actuator weekly with warm water; air dry
200
No
Ventolin HFA
Yes
Levalbuterol 45 mcg per dose Ipratropium bromide 17 mcg per spray Fluticasone 45,115,230 mcg salmeterol 21 mcg Fluticasone 44, 110, 220 mcg per spray
200
No
Wash plastic actuator with warm water weekly; air dry Wash plastic actuator with warm water weekly; air dry Wash plastic actuator with warm water weekly: air dry
200
Yes
120
Yes
Flovent HFA
120
Yes
Qvar HFA
Beclomethasone 40, 80 mcg per spray Ciclesonide 80, 160 mcg Budesonide 80, 160 mcg Fomoterol 4.5 mcg
120
No
Wash plastic actuator with warm water weekly: air dry Clean weekly with regular dry cloth: do not use water Clean weekly with any clean cloth: do not use water
60
Yes
120
Yes
Adapted from Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (http://www.aanma.org, 2008) Each HFA inhaler has unique characteristics, cleaning requirements, expiration dates, number of doses and ingredients. The change in propellants required a massive overhaul of inhalers' delicate valves and gaskets virtually the entire canister and contents for each brand. Since the ingredients are different for every brand, each has its own care instructions covering expiration dates, priming, shaking and cleaning. HFA inhalers spray a finer mist, with smaller particles that are easier to inhale deep into the airways. The patient may feel and taste less of the medicine in his or her mouth. Most brand name HFAs are about the same price as the CFCs they are replacing. Generic albuterol HFAs will not be on the market until at least 2010. Individual medications can be referenced at http://www.fda.gov/cder (click on Drugs @ FDA) or in the Clinicians Desk Reference.
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If the test is not taken under these conditions, additional documentation must be obtained from the clinician.
PaO2
55 mm Hg or less 56-59 mm Hg
SaO2
88% or less 89%
Additional Documentation
None Congestive Heart Failure/Edema EKG evidence of P pulmonale with P wave greater than 3 mm in lead I, II, III or AVF. Hematocrit greater than 56%.
60 mm Hg
90% or greater
Requires recertification and retesting 61-90 days after the initial start of therapy. May qualify as a system by itself or as a complement to stationary oxygen system.
Portable Oxygen If the patient qualifies for reimbursement under the oxygen coverage guidelines noted previously, and the patient is mobile within the home.
Oxygen Prescription
Oxygen for patients with COPD is covered under Medicare. The prescription for home oxygen therapy must include: flow rate: liters/minute flow rate must be increased during exercise and sleep, duration of need: specific number of months or indefinitely, laboratory evidence,
blood gas or oximetry required while at rest on room air, and acceptable PaO2 or SaO2.
Diagnosis
Severe primary lung disease (includes COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis) Secondary conditions related to lung disease Significant hypoxemia in the chronic stable state
Additional medical documentation: other forms of treatment have been tried and have not been successful and oxygen therapy is still required. Start of therapy: within one month of last visit. Return to Table of Contents
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Dieticians Pharmacists
Interventions can generally be divided into education, exercise/conditioning, psychosocial/psychological aspects and medical intervention. Education Basic lung anatomy and physiology/COPD pathophysiology Breath retraining 1. Diaphragmatic breathing 2. Pursed-lip breathing Diet and nutrition Energy conservation Safe travel Airway management Benefits of exercise Safe use of oxygen Role of medications 1. How medications work 2. Long-term control: medications that prevent symptoms 3. Stress importance of using medications Skills in using medications 1. Metered-dose inhaler use (patient should demonstrate correct inhaler technique) 2. Small-volume nebulizer 3. Spacer/holding chamber use Symptom assessment and knowledge of when to seek medical help Smoking cessation
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Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Appendix D Summary of Structure and Services Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Ninth Edition/March 2013
Environmental irritant avoidance Respiratory and chest therapy techniques Lower extremity training/exercise Upper extremity training/exercise Inspiratory muscle training/exercise Emphasis on in-home exercise as lifestyle change Counseling 1. Stress management 2. Coping skills, anxiety, panic control Medication Patients may benefit from antidepressants. Indications for referral Symptomatic COPD (characterized by airway obstruction and reduced expiratory airflow) Functional limitations that affect quality of life Has a medical regimen that has been maximized, e.g., bronchodilator, oxygen therapy Able to learn about the disease; patients who are mentally capable of learning about their disease have improved outcome including decreased anxiety and fear Motivated to participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program Patients with conditions that might interfere with the patient undergoing a rehabilitation program, e.g., coronary artery disease, cognitive impairment interfering with learning, severe psychiatric disturbances. Patients with conditions that might place the patient at risk during exercise training; many patients with COPD are older with a history of cigarette smoking and are at risk for heart disease. Cardiac and pulmonary stress testing should be routinely performed to exclude silent cardiac disease and assure safety during exercise training.
Exercise/conditioning
Psychosocial/psychological aspects
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The technical aspects of Shared Decision-Making are widely discussed and understood. Decisional conflict occurs when a patient is presented with options where no single option satisfies all the patient's objectives, where there is an inherent difficulty in making a decision, or where external influencers act to make the choice more difficult. Decision support clarifies the decision that needs to be made, clarifies the patient's values and preferences, provides facts and probabilities, guides the deliberation and communication and monitors the progress. Decision aids are evidence-based tools that outline the benefits, harms, probabilities and scientific uncertainties of specific health care options available to the patient.
However, before decision support and decision aids can be most advantageously utilized, a Collaborative ConversationTM should be undertaken between the provider and the patient to provide a supportive framework for Shared Decision-Making.
Collaborative ConversationTM
A collaborative approach toward decision-making is a fundamental tenet of Shared Decision-Making (SDM). The Collaborative ConversationTM is an inter-professional approach that nurtures relationships, enhances patients' knowledge, skills and confidence as vital participants in their health, and encourages them to manage their health care. Within a Collaborative Conversation, the perspective is that both the patient and the provider play key roles in the decision-making process. The patient knows which course of action is most consistent with his/ her values and preferences, and the provider contributes knowledge of medical evidence and best practices. Use of Collaborative ConversationTM elements and tools is even more necessary to support patient, care provider and team relationships when patients and families are dealing with high stakes or highly charged issues, such as diagnosis of a life-limiting illness. The overall framework for the Collaborative ConversationTM approach is to create an environment in which the patient, family and care team work collaboratively to reach and carry out a decision that is consistent with the patient's values and preferences. A rote script or a completed form or checklist does not constitute this approach. Rather it is a set of skills employed appropriately for the specific situation. These skills need to be used artfully to address all aspects involved in making a decision: cognitive, affective, social and spiritual. Key communication skills help build the Collaborative ConversationTM approach. These skills include many elements, but in this appendix only the questioning skills will be described. (For complete instruction, see O'Connor, Jacobsen "Decisional Conflict: Supporting People Experiencing Uncertainty about Options Affecting Their Health" [2007], and Bunn H, O'Connor AM, Jacobsen MJ "Analyzing decision support and related communication" [1998, 2003].) 1. Listening skills: Encourage patient to talk by providing prompts to continue such as "go on, and then?, uh huh," or by repeating the last thing a person said, "It's confusing." Return to Table of Contents
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Paraphrase content of messages shared by patient to promote exploration, clarify content and to communicate that the person's unique perspective has been heard. The provider should use his/her own words rather than just parroting what he/she heard. Reflection of feelings usually can be done effectively once trust has been established. Until the provider feels that trust has been established, short reflections at the same level of intensity expressed by the patient without omitting any of the message's meaning are appropriate. Reflection in this manner communicates that the provider understands the patient's feelings and may work as a catalyst for further problem solving. For example, the provider identifies what the person is feeling and responds back in his/her own words like this: "So, you're unsure which choice is the best for you." Summarize the person's key comments and reflect them back to the patient. The provider should condense several key comments made by the patient and provide a summary of the situation. This assists the patient in gaining a broader understanding of the situations rather than getting mired down in the details. The most effective times to do this are midway through and at the end of the conversation. An example of this is, "You and your family have read the information together, discussed the pros and cons, but are having a hard time making a decision because of the risks." Perception checks ensure that the provider accurately understands a patient or family member, and may be used as a summary or reflection. They are used to verify that the provider is interpreting the message correctly. The provider can say "So you are saying that you're not ready to make a decision at this time. Am I understanding you correctly?" 2. Questioning Skills Open and closed questions are both used, with the emphasis on open questions. Open questions ask for clarification or elaboration and cannot have a yes or no answer. An example would be "What else would influence you to choose this?" Closed questions are appropriate if specific information is required such as "Does your daughter support your decision?" Other skills such as summarizing, paraphrasing and reflection of feeling can be used in the questioning process so that the patient doesn't feel pressured by questions. Verbal tracking, referring back to a topic the patient mentioned earlier, is an important foundational skill (Ivey & Bradford-Ivey). An example of this is the provider saying, "You mentioned earlier" 3. Information-Giving Skills Providing information and providing feedback are two methods of information giving. The distinction between providing information and giving advice is important. Information giving allows a provider to supplement the patient's knowledge and helps to keep the conversation patient centered. Giving advice, on the other hand, takes the attention away from the patient's unique goals and values, and places it on those of the provider. Providing information can be sharing facts or responding to questions. An example is "If we look at the evidence, the risk is" Providing feedback gives the patient the provider's view of the patient's reaction. For instance, the provider can say, "You seem to understand the facts and value your daughter's advice."
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Self-examination by the provider involved in the Collaborative ConversationTM can be instructive. Some questions to ask oneself include: Do I have a clear understanding of the likely outcomes? Do I fully understand the patient's values? Have I framed the options in comprehensible ways? Have I helped the decision-makers recognize that preferences may change over time? Am I willing and able to assist the patient in reaching a decision based on his/her values, even when his/her values and ultimate decision may differ from my values and decisions in similar circumstances?
Regardless of the decision complexity there are cues applicable to all situations that indicate an opportune time for a Collaborative ConversationTM. These cues can occur singularly or in conjunction with other cues.
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Diagnosis/prognosis changes: Additional diagnoses, improved or worsening prognosis. Change or decline in health status: Improving or worsening symptoms, change in performance status or psychological distress. Change or lack of support: Increase or decrease in caregiver support, change in caregiver, or caregiver status, change in financial standing, difference between patient and family wishes. Change in medical evidence or interpretation of medical evidence: Providers can clarify the change and help the patient understand its impact. Provider/caregiver contact: Each contact between the provider/caregiver and the patient presents an opportunity to reaffirm with the patient that his/her care plan and the care the patient is receiving are consistent with his/her values.
Patients and families have a role to play as decision-making partners, as well. The needs and influencers brought to the process by patients and families impact the decision-making process. These are described below.
The Collaborative ConversationTM Map is the heart of this process. The Collaborative ConversationTM Map can be used as a stand-alone tool that is equally applicable to providers and patients as shown in Table 2. Return to Table of Contents
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Providers use the map as a clinical workflow. It helps get the Shared Decision-Making process initiated and provides navigation for the process. Care teams can used the Collaborative ConversationTM to document team best practices and to formalize a common lexicon. Organizations can build fields from the Collaborative ConversationTM Map in electronic medical records to encourage process normalization. Patients use the map to prepare for decision-making, to help guide them through the process and to share critical information with their loved ones.
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ICSI has long had a policy of transparency in declaring potential conflicting and competing interests of all individuals who participate in the development, revision and approval of ICSI guidelines and protocols. In 2010, the ICSI Conflict of Interest Review Committee was established by the Board of Directors to review all disclosures and make recommendations to the board when steps should be taken to mitigate potential conflicts of interest, including recommendations regarding removal of work group members. This committee has adopted the Institute of Medicine Conflict of Interest standards as outlined in the report, Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust (2011). Where there are work group members with identified potential conflicts, these are disclosed and discussed at the initial work group meeting. These members are expected to recuse themselves from related discussions or authorship of related recommendations, as directed by the Conflict of Interest committee or requested by the work group. The complete ICSI policy regarding Conflicts of Interest is available at http://bit.ly/ICSICOI. Funding Source The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement provided the funding for this guideline revision. ICSI is a not-for-profit, quality improvement organization based in Bloomington, Minnesota. ICSI's work is funded by the annual dues of the member medical groups and five sponsoring health plans in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Individuals on the work group are not paid by ICSI but are supported by their medical group for this work. ICSI facilitates and coordinates the guideline development and revision process. ICSI, member medical groups and sponsoring health plans review and provide feedback but do not have editorial control over the work group. All recommendations are based on the work group's independent evaluation of the evidence.
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Blair M. Anderson, MD (Work Group Leader) Physician, Pulmonology, HealthPartners Medical Group and Regions Hospital National, Regional, Local Committee Affiliations: None Guideline Related Activities: None Research Grants: None Financial/Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest: None Kristen K. Conner, BSN, MSN (Work Group Member) Nurse Practicioner, North Memorial Health Care National, Regional, Local Committee Affiliations: None Guideline Related Activities: None Research Grants: None Financial/Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest: None Christina T. Dunn, MD (Work Group Member) Physician, Internal Medicine, Fairview Health Services National, Regional, Local Committee Affiliations: None Guideline Related Activities: None Research Grants: None Financial/Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest: None G. Paul Kerestes, MD (Work Group Member) Physician, Family Medicine, Allina Medical Clinic National, Regional, Local Committee Affiliations: None Guideline Related Activities: None Research Grants: None Financial/Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest: None Kaiser G. Lim, MD (Work Group Member) Physician, Pulmonolgy, Mayo Clinic National, Regional, Local Committee Affiliations: None Guideline Related Activities: ICSI Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosis and Treatment Guideline Work Group Research Grants: None Financial/Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest: None Jennifer L. Olson, CRT, RRT (Work Group Member) Respiratory Therapist, Fairview Health Services National, Regional, Local Committee Affiliations: None Guideline Related Activities: None Research Grants: None Financial/Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest: None Shama H. Raikar, MD (Work Group Member) Physician, Internal Medicine, HealthPartners Medical Group and Regions Hospital National, Regional, Local Committee Affiliations: None Guideline Related Activities: ICSI Heart Failure in Aduilts Guideline Work Group Research Grants: None Financial/Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest: None Return to Table of Contents
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Heidi E. Schultz, PharmD (Work Group Member) Pharmacist, Fairview Health Services National, Regional, Local Committee Affiliations: None Guideline Related Activities: None Research Grants: None Financial/Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest: None Return to Table of Contents
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Acknowledgements:
All ICSI documents are available for review during the revision process by member medical groups and sponsors. In addition, all members commit to reviewing specific documents each year. This comprehensive review provides information to the work group for such issues as content update, improving clarity of recommendations, implementation suggestions and more. The specific reviewer comments and the work group responses are available to ICSI members at http://www.COPD.
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Acknowledgements
Invited Reviewers
During this revision, the following groups reviewed this document. The work group would like to thank them for their comments and feedback. CentraCare Health System, St. Cloud, MN Integrity Health Network, Duluth, MN Lakeview Clinic, Ltd., Waconia, MN Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, WI Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Multicare Associates, Fridley, MN Return to Table of Contents
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Scott Copeman, RRT Respiratory Therapy Mayo Clinic Tom Dashiell, MD Internal Medicine HealthEast Clinics
Beth Duffy, RRT Respiratory Therapy, Health Education HealthPartners Medical Group Jane Gendron Measurement Advisor ICSI
Contact ICSI at: 8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 1200; Bloomington, MN 55425; (952) 814-7060; (952) 858-9675 (fax) Online at http://www.ICSI.org
Copyright 2013 by Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement 67
Released in March 2013 for Ninth Edition. The next scheduled revision will occur within 24 months. Original Work Group Members
Janine Graham, RN, CCM Case Management, Health Education Aspen Medical Group Allen Horn, MD Family Practice CentraCare
Jeff Rabatin, MD Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Mayo Clinic Mary Stadick, MA Facilitator ICSI
James Mickman, MD Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine HealthPartners Medical Group
Suzanne Tschida, PharmD Pharmacy, Health Education HealthPartners Medical Group Catherine Youngman, RN Nursing, Health Education HealthPartners Medical Group
Ashok M. Patel, MD Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Work Group Leader Mayo Clinic Return to Table of Contents
The information contained in this ICSI Health Care Guideline is intended primarily for health professionals and other expert audiences.
This ICSI Health Care Guideline should not be construed as medical advice or medical opinion related to any specific facts or circumstances. Patients and families are urged to consult a health care professional regarding their own situation and any specific medical questions they may have. In addition, they should seek assistance from a health care professional in interpreting this ICSI Health Care Guideline and applying it in their individual case. This ICSI Health Care Guideline is designed to assist clinicians by providing an analytical framework for the evaluation and treatment of patients, and is not intended either to replace a clinician's judgment or to establish a protocol for all patients with a particular condition.
ICSI's medical group members and sponsors review each guideline as part of the revision process. They provide comment on the scientific content, recommendations, implementation strategies and barriers to implementation. This feedback is used by and responded to by the work group as part of their revision work. Final review and approval of the guideline is done by ICSI's Committee on Evidence-Based Practice. This committee is made up of practicing clinicians and nurses, drawn from ICSI member medical groups.
These are provided to assist medical groups and others to implement the recommendations in the guidelines. Where possible, implementation strategies are included that have been formally evaluated and tested. Measures are included that may be used for quality improvement as well as for outcome reporting. When available, regulatory or publicly reported measures are included.
Scientific documents are revised every 12-24 months as indicated by changes in clinical practice and literature. ICSI staff monitors major peer-reviewed journals every month for the guidelines for which they are responsible. Work group members are also asked to provide any pertinent literature through check-ins with the work group midcycle and annually to determine if there have been changes in the evidence significant enough to warrant document revision earlier than scheduled. This process complements the exhaustive literature search that is done on the subject prior to development of the first version of a guideline.
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