Subject: An multicentric, observational retrospective, cross-sectional survey study to assess the utilization pattern of Acebrophylline plus N- Acetylcysteine combination in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health problem globally. These are indicated as different diseases with similar epidemiological features as well as pathophysiological mechanisms.1
COPD is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by progressive and irreversible airway obstruction and is one of the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.1 The most commonly encountered risk factor for COPD, which is the fourth leading cause of death, is cigarette smoking, although in most countries, air pollution resulting from the burning of wood and other biomasses fuels has also been considered as a COPD risk factor.2
The goal of treatment in COPD is to: prevent exacerbations, reduce symptoms and decrease mortality. Clinicians commonly use various pharmacological treatments in the management of COPD to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, enhance exercise tolerance, prevent and treat exacerbations. The main strategy to be considered in the pharmacological treatment of COPD and asthma are bronchodilators; short-acting bronchodilators (β -agonist and anti- cholinergics) are given as first-line treatment and long-acting bronchodilators can be given in more symptomatic patients with greater functional impact.3,4 Acebrophylline has been widely used as an inexpensive oral treatment of asthma, and COPD.3,5 Previously, this drug known to have long clinical effectiveness to bronchodilation, however it also showed to have anti-inflammatory actions.3,6 Acebrophylline have been developed with the expectation that such drugs would have greater potency than theophylline, but with an improved side effect profile.3
Airway mucus hypersecretion is one of the prominent features of severe respiratory diseases including asthma and COPD.7 Pharmacological approach for relieving mucus accumulation in airways currently involves several classes of agents, including mucolytics. Mucolytics have gained importance as the drugs that can degrade the mucin polymers of mucus gel, and by reducing the viscosity and elasticity of mucus are thought to increase the mucus expulsion, either by ciliary movement or cough reflex. Best known of these agents is N-acetylcysteine (NAC).8
Thus the combination of acebrophylline and NAC may prove beneficial in respiratory conditions including COPD but there is scarce evidence to support this. Hence our study aims to analyse the role of Acebrophylline plus N Acetylcysteine in COPD.
We invite you to participate in this data collection activity. All you need to do is to report on a standard form your experience with acebrophylline plus NAC combination in the normal course of your practice. If you agree to participate, you will need to fill data collection forms (which we call DCF).
We trust you and we are partners in promoting safe and effective drug therapy. In that spirit we hope you will consent to participate in this survey. If you do, please sign and return the enclosed reply along with your visiting card for accuracy of records.
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