Risk of Re-Hospitalization in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Post Exacerbation

This retrospective database study will assess differences in the risk of re-hospitalization and other COPD-related exacerbations and costs for patients receiving fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate combination 250/50 (FSC) versus anticholinergics \[i.e. tiotropium (TIO) and ipratropium or combination ipratropium-albuterol (collectively referred to as ipratropium - IPR)\] post-hospitalization or Emergency Department (ED) visit for the treatment of COPD. This is a hypotheses testing study. Associations are compared between FSC and AC cohorts. Hypotheses for the primary outcome and key secondary outcomes are presented below: Specifically the study hypotheses for the primary outcome being tested were: Ho: There is no difference in risk of COPD-related hospitalization between FSC and AC Ha: There is a difference in risk of COPD-related hospitalization between FSC and AC Hypothesis for the key secondary outcome of COPD-related costs that was tested was: Ho: There is no difference in COPD-related costs between FSC and AC Ha: There is a difference in COPD-related costs between FSC and AC