Efficacy and costs of nutritional rehabilitation in muscle-wasted patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a community-based setting: a prespecified subgroup analysis of the INTERCOM trial.

Rationale: Limited data are available on effectiveness and costs of nutritional rehabilitation for patients with COPD in community care.

Methods: In a 2-year RCT, 199 COPD patients (FEV(1)%pred. 60% [SD 16%]) and impaired exercise capacity were randomized to the interdisciplinary community-based COPD management program (INTERCOM) or usual care (UC).

Self-report versus care provider registration of healthcare utilization: impact on cost and cost-utility.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the impact of two different sources of resource use, self-report versus care provider registrations, on cost and cost utility.

Methods: Data were gathered for a cost-effectiveness study performed alongside a 2-year randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of an INTERdisciplinary COMmunity-based management program (INTERCOM) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The program was offered by physiotherapists, dieticians and respiratory nurses.

Systemic impairment in relation to disease burden in patients with moderate COPD eligible for a lifestyle program. Findings from the INTERCOM trial.

Introduction: In contrast with the frequency distribution of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) stages in the population, in which the majority of the patients is classified as GOLD 2, much less information is available on the prevalence and implications of systemic manifestations in less severe patients relative to GOLD 3 and 4.

Aim: To characterize local and systemic impairment in relation to disease burden in a group of GOLD 2 COPD patients (n = 127, forced expiratory volume in one second (SD): 67 (11)% pred) that were eligible for the Interdisciplinary Community-based COPD management (INTERCOM) trial.

Methods: Patients were included for this lifestyle program based on a peak exercise capacity (Wmax) < 70% of predicted.