Clinical Trials

The investigators' proposed study is a randomized controlled trial that will prospectively examine the effect of a multicomponent intervention on the rate of hospitalizations, daily physical activity, self efficacy and health status in patients who have COPD and have been hospitalized because of a COPD exacerbation. In the study, a convenience sample of patients recently hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation, who meet the selection criteria and agree to participate will be randomized to receive one of the following at the time of hospital discharge: (1) the current standard of care plus a multicomponent intervention (counselor + pulmonary rehabilitation) or (2) the current standard of care without the intervention. This study plans to test the following hypotheses: (1) The primary outcome of the study to be the composite endpoint of death or COPD hospitalization (2) Time to first rehospitalization will be shorter in the intervention group than the control group (3) At follow-up, the physical activity level measured in terms of the average number of steps and active energy expenditure will be higher in the intervention group than in the control group.

COPD exacerbation is a common complication that significantly contributes to the high morbidity, mortality and costs associated with COPD. COPD exacerbations are associated with heightened lung inflammation that may have systemic implications (e.g., peripheral muscle weakness, cognitive impairment, depression, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and atherosclerosis). Statins are potent agents that significantly reduce vascular events in patients with increased risks due to prior cardiac or cerebral vascular events and elevated lipid profiles. Statins have pleiotropic effects that extend well beyond their lipid lowering effects and may be potent anti-inflammatory agents. Retrospective data conducted in COPD patients indicate that statin use is associated with markedly decreased rates of COPD hospitalization and stabilization of lung function. Decreases in mortality in COPD due to complications of flu-like illnesses and deaths due to cardiovascular events have also been reported. Inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and interleukin- 6) are reported to be elevated in moderate to severe COPD patients who are prone to exacerbations. Inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and interleukin- 6) are reported to be reduced by statin therapy in patients with hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Treatments that can effectively lessen the prevalence and severity of COPD exacerbations are desperately needed