Mitigating systemic corticosteroid risks in COPD: A call for earlier triple therapy initiation

Abstract

Current GOLD guidelines recommend initial dual therapy with a LABA and LAMA for COPD patients with a high risk of exacerbations (at least two moderate or one severe exacerbation in the previous 12 months), with Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) added for specific phenotypes or continued exacerbations. Systemic corticosteroids (SCS) are advised for severe exacerbations, but cumulative SCS exposure is linked to significant adverse outcomes such as endocrine disorders and pneumonia. Studies suggest that after limited exacerbations, COPD patients may exhaust their “SCS credit,” increasing their risk of severe comorbidities. Earlier initiation of triple therapy in high-risk, symptomatic patients shows substantial benefits, including improved quality of life, compared to standard care. Like asthma management, SCS exposure in COPD should be minimised, and precision medicine should guide early triple therapy to preserve SCS use for future exacerbations.