Premature discontinuation during the UPLIFT study

SummaryRationalePlacebo-controlled clinical trials on COPD are characterized by premature discontinuation. At present, no clear insight into this phenomenon is available.ObjectiveTo obtain better insight into the phenomenon of premature discontinuation.MethodsWe analyzed the pattern of discontinuation in the UPLIFT-trial.Measurements and main resultsPremature discontinuation was substantial and greater in the placebo than in the tiotropium group (45 vs. 37%, p < 0.001). Patients discontinuing were characterized by more severe COPD (p < 0.0001), greater number of pack years (p < 0.002), smaller pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator FEV1 (p < 0.0001 for both), and worse SGRQ scores (p < 0.0001). Rates of decline of FEV1 and SGRQ were greater in non-completers (p < 0.0001 for both). The latter differences increased over time indicating that the evolution of variables in time was related to trial completion. The risks of exacerbations and hospitalizations were greater in non-completers. In logistic regression analysis BMI, post-bronchodilator FEV1, male gender and treatment with tiotropium were positively related to trial completion, whereas age, worse SGRQ, female gender, current smoking and assignment to the placebo group were negatively related.ConclusionAssignment to the control group is related to premature discontinuation. Discontinuation was important and selective in this large trial. Pulmonary function, health-related quality of life and smoking are the most important other variables related to discontinuation. The evolution of variables during the trial is also related to discontinuation. Complete follow-up of discontinued patients may provide better insight into the efficacy of medication in future trials.