A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Appropriateness Of Inhaled Corticosteroid Treatment In Primary And Secondary Care Patients With COPD In Sweden.

More than half of the COPD patients on ICS met the criteria where withdrawal of the treatment could be tried. There was, however, also a subgroup of patients not using ICS for whom there was an indication for starting ICS treatment. Patients using ICS were characterized by more frequent exacerbations and lower lung function.