β-Blockers in COPD: A Cohort Study From the TONADO Research Program

Cardiovascular disease is a frequent comorbidity in patients with COPD. Many physicians, particularly pulmonologists, are reluctant to use β-adrenoceptor blocking agents (β-blockers) in patients with COPD, despite their proven effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular events.

The large (5,162 patients) phase III TONADO 1 and 2 studies assessed lung function and patient-reported outcomes in patients with moderate to very severe COPD receiving long-acting bronchodilator treatment across 1 year. This post hoc analysis characterized lung-function changes, patient-reported outcomes, and safety in the subgroup of patients receiving β-blockers in the studies.

In total, 557 of 5,162 patients (11%) received β-blockers at baseline. Postbronchodilator FEV₁ at baseline was higher in the β-blocker group (1.470 L) compared with that in the no β-blocker group (1.362 L). As expected, patients receiving β-blockers had a more frequent history of cardiovascular comorbidities and medications. Lung function improved from baseline in patients with or those without β-blocker treatment, and no relevant between-group differences were observed in trough FEV₁ or trough FVC at 24 or 52 weeks. No relevant differences were observed for St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire results and Transition Dyspnea Index in patients with β-blockers compared with those in patients without. Safety findings were comparable between groups.

Lung function, overall respiratory status, and safety of tiotropium/olodaterol were not influenced by baseline β-blocker treatment in patients with moderate to very severe COPD. Results from this large patient cohort support the cautious and appropriate use of β-blockers in patients with COPD and cardiovascular comorbidity.

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01431274 and No. NCT01431287; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.