Effectiveness of Dual Versus Triple Inhaled Therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: Results from a Quasi-Experimental Study, Multan

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of dual inhaled therapy and triple inhaled therapy in chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease patients.
Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Medicine, Combined Military
Hospital (CMH), Multan, Pakistan from 1^st January 2023 to 31^st December 2023.
Methods: A total of 60 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included in this study and
allocated to 2 equal groups based on clinical criteria. In Group-D, patients were given dual inhaled inhaler
therapy (Corticosteroid+ Long acting β-2 agonists) while patients in Group-T were given triple inhaled inhaler
therapy (Corticosteroid+ Long acting β-2 agonists+ long-acting muscarinic antagonist) twice daily. The primary
outcome was set as the percentage of patients achieving a reduced number of moderate-severe exacerbations,
while the secondary outcomes included improved post-dose forced expiratory volume, number of patients
achieving improved chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test score, and baseline dyspnea index
focal score after 6 months of treatment.
Results: The results of primary outcomes showed significantly better efficacy in Group-T compared to Group-D,
as a considerably higher number of patients had reduced frequency of moderate-severe chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease exacerbations after 6 months (86.66% vs 53.33%, P=0.035).
There was also significant improvement in secondary outcomes, including post-dose forced expiratory volume
in 1 second, patients who had improved assessment test scores, as well as baseline dyspnea index focal score in
Group-T compared to Group-D.
Conclusion: Triple inhaled therapy is more effective than dual inhaled therapy for reducing moderate-to-severe
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.

How to cite this: Batool S, Khan JA, Asmat F, Wajid H, Hashmi Z. Effectiveness of Dual Versus Triple Inhaled Therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: Results from a Quasi-Experimental Study, Multan. Life and Science. 2025; 6(4): 430-436. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.763