Introduction

Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction (BLVR) with Endobronchial Valves (EBV) has emerged as an important treatment method for patients with severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are a frequent complication following BLVR with EBV. However, there is no consensus on the prevention of AECOPD.

Objectives

To compare the outcomes of different prophylactic measures on the occurrence of AECOPD post-BLVR with EBV.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study of patients who underwent BLVR with EBV at six different institutions. Emphasis was directed towards the specific practices aimed at preventing AECOPD: antibiotics, steroids, antibiotics plus steroids, or no prophylaxis. Subgroups were compared and odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

Results

A total of 170 patients were reviewed. The rate of AECOPD was 21.2% for the full cohort. Patients who received prophylaxis had a significantly lower rate of AECOPD compared to those who did not (16.7% vs 46.2%; p = .001). The rate was lowest in patients who received antibiotics alone (9.2%). There was no significant difference in the rate of AECOPD between patients who received steroids alone or antibiotics plus steroids, compared to the other subgroups. The OR for AECOPD was 4.3 (95% CI: 1.8-10.4; p = .001) for patients not receiving prophylaxis, and 3.9 (95% CI: 1.5-10.1; p = .004) for prophylaxis other than antibiotics alone.

Conclusions

Administration of antibiotics post-BLVR with EBV was associated with a lower rate of AECOPD. This was not observed with the use of steroids or in combination with antibiotics.