Long-acting B-2 agonists (LABA) or long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA): which one may be the first option in group A COPD patients?

Abstract

Introduction: Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) or beta-2 agonists (LABA) have been recommended for symptom control in group A COPD patients as a first-line bronchodilator treatment in GOLD guidelines. However, there is no mention of priority/superiority between the two treatment options. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of these treatments in this group.

Methods: The study cohort was formed of all subjects from six pulmonology clinics with an initial diagnosis of COPD who were new users of a LAMA or LABA from January 2020 to December 2021. Seventy-six group A COPD patients, in whom LABA or LAMA therapy had been started in the last 1 month as a first-line treatment, were included in our study. Participants were evaluated with spirometry, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), mMRC scale, and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for three times (baseline, 6-12^th months).

Results: There were 76 group A COPD patients with LAMA (67.1%) and LABA (32.9%). The number of patients who improved in CAT score at the end of the first year was significantly higher in patients using LAMA than those using LABA (p = 0.022); the improvement at minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in CAT score of LAMA group at 1^st year was also significant (p = 0.044). SGRQ total and impact scores were found to be statistically lower at 1^st year compared to baseline in patients using LAMA (p = 0.010 and 0.006, respectively). Significant improvement was detected in CAT and SGRQ scores at the 6^th month visit in the LAMA group having emphysema (p = 0.032 and 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion: According to significant improvements in CAT and SGRQ score, LAMA may be preferred over LABA as a bronchodilator agent in group A COPD patients, especially in emphysema-dominant phenotype.