Questions under study: Swiss guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were published in 2002. We aimed at assessing adherence to the proposed guidelines by the physicians in charge for all patients referred to our hospital for acute exacerbations of COPD over a one year period.
Methods: In a prospective observational study, data from a questionnaire and from records of all patients referred to our hospital with acute exacerbation of COPD were collected. Diagnostic steps as well as therapeutic and prophylactic interventions were reviewed. Where applicable, interventions were stratified according to proposed levels of evidence A-D.
Results: 45 patients in whom the diagnosis of COPD had been made before were included. Diagnosis was established by spirometry in 71%, in the remaining diagnosis was based on clinical grounds only. Non-smoking advice was given to 69%, and 16% were offered a nicotine-replacement trial (level A). Information about a disease management plan was given in 40% of the patients (level B), 22% had done a six minute walking distance test. 27% of the patients had participated in a pulmonary rehabilitation program (level A). 93% were on regular bronchodilator therapy (level B), and 56% had regular inhaled corticosteroids (level B).
Conclusion: Confirmation of the diagnosis of COPD by spirometry is lacking in a significant number of patients. Most patients were treated with regular bronchodilators, however, relevant over-treatment with beta-adrenergic substances and overuse of inhaled corticosteroids in mild disease stages are common. Efforts for disease prevention and education as well as awareness of the potential benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation programs are still insufficient. Efforts to improve the adherence to the Swiss guidelines for the management of COPD should be intensified.