Characterisation of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD in Europe: The GIANT study

Marc Miravitlles, Antonio Anzueto, Santiago Ewig, Delfino Legnani, Kathrin Stauch

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: The GIANT study collected information on patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the effect of treatment with moxifloxacin. Methods: AECB history, concomitant diseases, moxifloxacin treatment, concomitant medication, clinical symptoms and adverse events were recorded. A questionnaire at the end of treatment recorded the impact on patients— daily lives. Results: Among 9225 patients from eight European countries, marked variation was seen in characteristics including age, smoking history and type of exacerbation. Spirometry use was more common among chest physicians (66.7%) than GPs (15.5%). Patients with Anthonisen type 1 and 2 exacerbations had more frequent exacerbations and these patients experienced a greater impact on daily activities compared with patients with type 3 episodes. Patient symptoms improved with moxifloxacin treatment after a mean (SD) of 3.4 (1.8) days, allowing return to normal daily activities after 5.4 (4.4) days and with full recovery taking 6.5 (3.1) days. Conclusions: Characteristics of patients with AECB and acute exacerbations of COPD differ among European countries. Spirometry is under-used, particularly in primary care and antibiotic treatment does not always follow current guidelines. Results confirm the efficacy of moxifloxacin in the treatment of AECB in real-life conditions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)267-277
Number of pages11
JournalTherapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease
Volume3
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2009

Keywords

  • chronic bronchitis
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • exacerbations
  • moxifloxacin
  • quality of life

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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