Introduction
Several serious medical conditions undermine the nation’s health and pose a threat to healthcare and the U.S. economic status. In their article, Li et al. (2021) discuss chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an airway illness and the fourth leading cause of patient death worldwide. The authors find it essential to highlight the need to extend knowledge about the available COPD management options. Li et al. (2021) explore the current status of pharmaceutical care and drug therapy, emphasizing the necessity of developing new treatment strategies. Their article is a strong study that consistently presents the most complete information about managing COPD, then draws appropriate conclusions and recommendations.
Summary of the Article
To begin with, it is essential to provide a summary of the study, mentioning the most informative and interesting parts. One reason why Li et al. (2021) conducted their review is that “the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that COPD will become the third leading cause of death by 2030” (p. 111). Considering numerous complications, the progressive nature of the condition, and the absence of a cure, it is crucial to summarize the available options.
The researchers first outline the conventional management methods, which can enhance patients’ quality of life and alleviate their symptoms. For example, bronchodilators, “including long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs), long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs), LAMA/LABAs, non-selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors (such as theophylline) and newly discovered PDE-4 inhibitors (such as roflumilast),” are helpful in the maintenance treatment (p. 112). Li et al. (2021) explore each bronchodilator separately, mentioning their strengths and potential side effects. Thus, it is not recommended to give drugs like quinolones to COPD patients receiving theophylline treatment because the former negatively affects the metabolism of the latter.
The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is another management strategy discussed by the authors. They indicate its effectiveness while highlighting the need to carefully personalize ICS use because it can cause some patients’ community-acquired pneumonia, cataracts, osteoporosis, and weight gain (Li et al., 2021, p. 113). Further, anti-infective drugs allow us to address the threat of the acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) caused by pathogen infection.
Lastly, expectorants should be used carefully because they are less effective. Additionally, the authors dedicate a whole section to exploring how COPD can be managed in patients with complications. For instance, while diuretics have adjuvant impacts on persons with COPD and edema, pharmaceutical care should discontinue their use once the symptoms are under control. Moreover, the researchers mention that numerous ongoing clinical trials aim to determine the effects of old and new drugs on the possibility of treating COPD. Thus, medications intended to address PH, depression, diabetes, and even flu symptoms are tested to relieve the symptoms of COPD, which is known as drug repurposing (Li et al., 2021).
Besides, new medications are being developed, and clinical trials are expected to provide positive feedback. As for the already created new drugs, Li et al. (2021) indicate that it is easier now to develop new treatment options due to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of COPD. For example, “RPL554 (a phosphodiesterase PDE3/4 inhibitor),” which can enhance patients’ symptoms, is among “more than six hundred records of clinical trial drugs” (Li et al., 2021, p. 117). Non-pharmaceutical strategies to address the disease are also discussed in detail. Eventually, the authors recommend including pharmacists and other non-physician healthcare professionals in developing the best methods to manage COPD.
Article Critique
Overall, one may say that the paper under review is a credible resource that can provide valuable and comprehensive yet concise information about different COPD treatment options and the role of pharmaceutical care in their development. Most importantly, Li et al. (2021) have a robust reason behind their review and outline why it is crucial to synthesize the available knowledge. Their paper offers critical insights into current COPD management strategies. It notes the ongoing attempts to extend the number of effective methods and highlights the need to include non-physician healthcare professionals in these processes.
The study is supported by many previous articles cited by the authors. Its structure is easy to follow, and each subtopic is thoroughly discussed. Another strength of the paper by Li et al. (2021) is that it offers sound recommendations based on the provided information. They first prove the value of pharmaceutical care in managing COPD and conclude that including such professionals in treating the disease can improve patient outcomes.
Nevertheless, there is a weak side to the research: the authors fail to state that there are potential limitations or biases in their statements. Since they draw conclusions based on their review of the previous studies, it would be essential to mention that those sources’ limitations could affect the current paper’s credibility. Another possible drawback is that the paper’s audience is rather narrow, as a non-informed reader would find it challenging to understand some terms. Although the authors explain the key terms and abbreviations, some sections still complicate the text. Overall, the study has more strengths than weaknesses and can serve as a valuable basis for future research.
Conclusion
To conclude, this writing summarizes an academic article and evaluates its advantages and drawbacks. In their review, Li et al. (2021) synthesize information about COPD management options, highlighting their positive impacts on patients and potential complications and side effects. The authors indicate that newer strategies are needed to improve patient outcomes, and the role of pharmaceutical care should become greater. The study has several strengths and weaknesses, but the former are more significant and make the paper a valuable source.
Reference
Li, L. C., Han, Y. Y., Zhang, Z. H., Zhou, W. C., Fang, H. M., Qu, J., & Kan, L. D. (2021). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment and pharmacist-led medication management. Drug Design, Development, and Therapy, 2021(15), 111-124.