Non-drug device reduces COPD exacerbations - real-world study presented at ERS

The Aerobika device demonstrated a clinically-significant reduction in exacerbations in as little as 30 days of treatment, when used as an add-on to usual COPD medications.

Exacerbations are a worsening of symptoms, and are the most common reason for COPD hospital admissions. During an exacerbation, airways are compromised by inflammation and mucus buildup, causing patients to be poorly responsive to usual COPD treatments. Recovery can be delayed for weeks, resulting in further airway deterioration and putting patients at risk of recurrent exacerbations. In fact, approximately 1 in 5 admitted patients require re-hospitalization within 30 days.

Clinicians, hospitals, and healthcare systems around the globe are now focusing their attention on this critical post-exacerbation period with the goal of reducing subsequent re-admissions and maintaining the long-term health of their COPD patients.

In the 6-month study, the Aerobika device demonstrated a clinically-significant reduction in exacerbations in as little as 30 days of treatment, when used as an add-on to usual COPD medications. "These results carry important implications for how we manage COPD patients with a history of exacerbations," says Brian Carlin, MD, FCCP, FAASM. "Adding the Aerobika device to our current COPD treatment protocols could significantly improve patient outcomes while decreasing the burden on our healthcare resources."

The Aerobika device has been previously validated in clinical studies, demonstrating improvements in airway ventilation, lung function and quality of life. "This new study has validated the use of this device in a real-world setting, providing a drug-free addition to post-exacerbation therapy for COPD patients." says Dr Jason Suggett, Group Director of Science & Technology at Trudell Medical International.