Propeller Health and its research partners presented five abstracts at this year’s European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress. Our latest research explored the relationship between respiratory comorbidities and healthcare utilization, the effect of digital health solutions on medication adherence and asthma control, and projected prevalence of COPD by the year 2050.
Read brief summaries of each abstract below or click the links to view them online.
Characterizing healthcare resource use among adults with COPD by presence of comorbidities
Summary: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with an increased economic burden on healthcare systems across the world. In the presence of comorbidities, the global economic burden of COPD becomes even more substantial. Through an administrative claims data analysis of 1,284,500 patients with COPD, researchers found that healthcare resource utilization was higher in patients with comorbidities compared to those with COPD alone. Further, hospitalization rates were 7.5 times greater among COPD patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes and depression than in patients with COPD alone. Supporting comprehensive disease management among patients with COPD, especially those with complex comorbidities, may be helpful in reducing the high economic burden of COPD.
Healthcare resource utilization among adults with asthma by disease severity and presence of comorbidities
Summary: When coupled with high disease severity and/or the prevalence of comorbidities, the global economic burden of asthma significantly increases. An analysis of administrative claims data from 2,581,152 patients with asthma found that healthcare resource utilization – including hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and office visits – was greater among patients with comorbidities versus asthma alone. Utilization rates increased as the number of comorbidities per asthma patient increased. Compared to patients with asthma alone, hospitalizations were 8.4 times higher for asthma patients with hypertension, anxiety and depression. These findings indicate the importance of considering a patient’s disease state and comorbidities when holistically and comprehensively treating or managing their asthma.
Medication adherence and asthma control with once-daily indacaterol/glycopyrronium/mometasone (IND/GLY/MF) Breezhaler® digital companion: interim analysis from Europe
Summary: Pairing inhaler devices with digital companions, such as Bluetooth® sensors and mobile apps that provide reminders and feedback, may improve treatment adherence and asthma outcomes. In an interim analysis, researchers assessed the impact of the Breezhaler® digital companion on medication adherence and symptom control in 451 patients with asthma from Europe. Throughout the 6-month assessment period, median adherence remained greater than 92%, and the majority of patients demonstrated an average adherence of more than 80%. Additionally, Asthma Control Test™ scores improved over time, with 21% more patients achieving control at follow-up.
Medication adherence and asthma control with once-daily indacaterol/glycopyrronium/mometasone (IND/GLY/MF) Breezhaler® digital companion: interim analysis from Japan and Germany
Summary: A 3-month interim assessment of a quality improvement program demonstrated that inhaler devices co-prescribed with a digital health platform providing medication reminders and education, may help improve asthma medication adherence and outcomes. Data from 467 asthma patients in Germany and Japan who used the Breezhaler® and Propeller digital platform showed high medication adherence – more than 85% over 3 months. Further, asthma control among patients improved over time in both countries.
An estimate of the global COPD prevalence in 2050: Disparities by income and gender
Summary*: COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. An aging population, air pollution and smoking trends may all contribute to the global burden of disease. Researchers projected that approximately 592 million people will have COPD by 2050, which represents a 23.3% relative increase in global prevalence from 2020. It’s estimated that a total of 332 million men and 260 million women will have COPD – 56% and 44%, respectively. Although high income countries are projected to have higher COPD prevalence rates, it is anticipated that the increasing COPD burden will be largely driven by increasing rates in lower-middle income countries.
*Updated September 23, 2022 to reflect the most accurate projections.
For any questions about Propeller’s peer-reviewed clinical research, please reach out to help@propellerhealth.com.