[The effects of inhaled steroids withdrawal in COPD].

The key pathophysiological feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an abnormal inflammatory bronchial reaction after inhalation of toxic substances. The priority is the avoidance of such toxic inhalations, but the use of anti-inflammatory drugs also seems appropriate, especially corticosteroids that are the sole anti-inflammatory drug available for this purpose in France. The risks associated with the prolonged use of these parenteral drugs are well known.

[The place of inhaled corticosteroids in COPD].

Introduction: Clinical trials have provided some evidence of a favorable effect of inhaled corticosteroids on the frequency of exacerbations and on the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In contrast, ICS have little or no impact on lung function decline and on mortality.

State Of The Art: Inhaled corticosteroids are recommended only in a minority of COPD patients, those with severe disease and repeated exacerbations and probably those with the COPD and asthma overlap syndrome.

Real-life use of fluticasone propionate/salmeterol in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a French observational study.

Background: In Europe, administration of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) combined with a long-acting β2 agonist is approved in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with a pre-bronchodilator FEV1 < 60% predicted normal, a history of repeated exacerbations, and who have significant symptoms despite regular bronchodilator therapy. Minimal data are available on the use of the fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate combination (FSC) in the real-life COPD setting and prescription compliance with the licensed specifications.

Methods: A French observational study was performed to describe the COPD population prescribed with FSC, prescription modalities, and the coherence of prescription practices with the market authorized population.

[COPD and quality of life: impact of the disease in primary care in France].

In Europe, there are few data on the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on patients' quality of life. This study, within primary care, addressed health-related quality of life in patients according to stage of COPD severity. The objective was to estimate the impact of the COPD on the quality of life of the patients in seven European countries (France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom) in 2430 patients among whom 573 patients were in France.