A Cross-Sectional Study on the Impact of Methylxanthines, Corticosteroids, and Antibiotics on COPD Symptoms: Assessment using CAT, mMRC, and GOLD Criteria

Authors: Krishna Kumar Dhakchinamoorthi, Kadhiravan Suseelan, Karthick Sivanantham, Gokulalakshmi Moorthy, Balaji Manickam, Sivashanmugam Muruganandham

DOI: 10.18231/j.ijirm.12189.1837149538

Keywords: COPD, CAT Score, mMRC Score, GOLD criteria, Methylxanthines, Corticosteroids, and Antibiotics

Abstract: Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory lung condition marked by irreversible airflow limitation. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a combination therapy—methylxanthines, corticosteroids, and antibiotics—on symptom relief and exacerbation frequency in hospitalized patients with COPD, using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. Methodology: A six-month cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Government Medical College Hospital, Tiruppur, with prior approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A total of 120 hospitalized patients provided informed consent and were evaluated using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification system. Results: Among the participants, 49% were aged between 46 and 60 years. Initially, 86% had high CAT scores (20–30), which improved to a moderate range (10–20) in 90% of patients following treatment. Most patients reported mMRC grade 3 breathlessness before therapy, which improved to grade 2 afterward. In the previous year, 87% had experienced exacerbations, and 82% required hospitalization. Based on improvements in CAT and mMRC scores, the majority of patients shifted from GOLD Group C (severe) (85%) to Group B (moderate) (92%) after treatment, showing a statistically significant change (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The combination of methylxanthines, corticosteroids, and antibiotics demonstrated greater effectiveness in alleviating symptoms and reducing disease severity in COPD patients compared to a focus on exacerbation management alone.