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Updated: Jul 28, 2025

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Study protocol: pneumonia and inhaled corticosteroid treatment patterns in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a
Allan Klitgaard1,2, Rikke Ibsen3, Ole Hilberg4,2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark alksorensen@health.sdu.dk.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) reduce COPD exacerbations but increase pneumonia risk. This study identifies patient characteristics linked to this increased pneumonia risk in ICS users.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are a cornerstone therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), effectively reducing exacerbations.
- However, ICS use is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, a significant concern for patient safety.
- Identifying specific patient profiles at higher risk for ICS-associated pneumonia is crucial for personalized treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patient characteristics associated with an increased risk of pneumonia among individuals treated with inhaled corticosteroids for COPD.
- To inform clinical decision-making regarding ICS prescription and monitoring in COPD patients.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide register-based cohort study utilizing Danish health registers from 2008-2018.
- Individual-level data linkage using unique personal identification numbers.
- Sequence analysis to explore clusters of pneumonia incidence and ICS treatment patterns over a 3-year follow-up period.
Main Results:
- This section is to be populated upon study completion.
Conclusions:
- This section is to be populated upon study completion.
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