ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by symptoms of dyspnoea, paroxysmal coughing, fatigue, and insomnia associated with considerable impact on quality of life of patients. Inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β2-agonist combinations (ICS/LABA) are endorsed for maintenance therapy for COPD. So, we designed this study to compare the treatment of combination of salmeterol or formoterol with fluticasone on Quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: This prospective, randomized, parallel group study was conducted 45 patients suffering from COPD were enrolled in the study after they signed a written informed consent. The patients were divided in two groups based on the treatment in two groups. Group 1 was on treatment with salmeterol with fluticasone whereas group 2 was on treatment with formoterol with fluticasone; they were assessed at baseline and 4weeks. Patients were subjected to St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and WHO – Quality of life (WHO-QOL Bref) Questionnaire. Results: A total of 24 patients in group 1 and 21 patients in group 2 completed the study. The demographic profile of patients was comparable at baseline. Patients in both groups had showed a statistically significant improvement in symptoms score as compared to baseline as is evident by lower scores in SGRQ and high scores in WHO-QOL Bref score Patients on formoterol and fluticasone had slightly better scores as compared to the other group though it was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Both the treatment showed significant improvement in symptoms as well as quality of life as compared to baseline and a combination of formoterol and fluticasone was slightly better as compared to combination of salmeterol and fluticasone.