Abstract
The POET-COPD (Prevention Of Exacerbations with Tiotropium in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) study, a one-year randomized double blind study, was the first to compare the efficacy of tiotropium versus salmeterol in the prevention of exacerbations. Tiotropium was administered with the HandiHaler' inhalation device and salmeterol with the HFA MDI (metered dose inhaler).
The study focused on the prevention of moderate to severe exacerbations in COPD. Exacerbations have a serious effect on the patient's health, are a key indicator of disease progression and drop in lung function, and mainly increase mortality.
The study supports tiotropium as therapy of choice primarily in patients with moderate COPD (GOLD stage II). Tiotropium proved superior to salmeterol in preventing exacerbations.
Moreover, s reported previously, tiotropium is the most effective therapy in reducing lung hyperinflation and thus also breathlessness and increases exercise tolerance. At early stages of COPD, tiotropium is effective in slowing down disease progression and has a positive effect on mortality.
It has an excellent safety profile. The Czech Pneumological and Phthisiological Society recommends tiotropium as the therapy of choice for patients with COPD.