BackgroundCardiovascular disease is a primary cause of death in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Beta-blockers have been proved to reduce morbidity and improve survival in patients with cardiac diseases. But the effects of beta-blockers on outcomes in patients with COPD remain controversial. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of beta-blockers on mortality and exacerbation in patients with COPD.MethodsAn extensive search of the EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane was performed to retrieve the studies of beta-blockers treatment in patients with COPD. The random effects model meta-analysis was used to evaluate effect on overall mortality and exacerbation of COPD.ResultsFifteen original observational cohort studies with a follow-up time from 1 to 7.2 years were included. The results revealed that beta-blockers treatment significantly decreased the risk of overall mortality and exacerbation of COPD. The relative risk (RR) for overall mortality was 0.72 (0.63 to 0.83), and for exacerbation of COPD was 0.63 (0.57 to 0.71). In subgroup analysis of COPD patients with coronary heart disease or heart failure, the risk for overall mortality was 0.64 (0.54–0.76) and 0.74 (0.58–0.93), respectively.ConclusionThe findings of this meta-analysis confirmed that beta-blocker use in patients with COPD may not only decrease the risk of overall mortality but also reduce the risk of exacerbation of COPD. Beta-blocker prescription for cardiovascular diseases needs to improve in COPD patients.
BackgroundBronchiectasis revealed by chest computed tomography in COPD patients and its comorbid effect on prognosis have not been addressed by large-sized studies. Understanding the presence of bronchiectasis in COPD is important for future intervention and preventing disease progression.MethodsObservational studies were identified from electronic literature searches in Cochrane library, PubMed, ScienceDirect databases, American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society meeting abstracts. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies was performed to summarize the factors associated with bronchiectasis in COPD patients. Primary outcomes included the risks for exacerbation frequency, isolation of a potentially pathogenic microorganism, severe airway obstruction and mortality. Odds ratios (ORs) were pooled by random effects models.ResultsFourteen observational studies were eligible for the study. Compared with COPD without bronchiectasis, comorbid bronchiectasis in COPD increased the risk of exacerbation (1.97, 95% CI, 1.29–3.00), isolation of a potentially pathogenic microorganism (4.11, 95%CI, 2.16–7.82), severe airway obstruction (1.31, 95% CI, 1.09–1.58) and mortality (1.96, 95% CI, 1.04–3.70).ConclusionsThe presence of bronchiectasis in patients with COPD was associated with exacerbation frequency, isolation of a potentially pathogenic microorganism, severe airway obstruction and mortality.
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