Table 3 Treatment subtypes identified by combination of multiple component and clustering analyses

1: Nebulised treatments

Nebulised anticholinergics and/or beta2 agonists. Less frequently, nebulised corticosteroids.

One of the first two treatments was prescribed to 45.55% of patients.

2: Fixed combinations

Combinations of long acting beta 2 agonist and corticosteroids.

These combinations were prescribed to 51.44% of patients.

3 : LABA and inhaled corticosteroids prescribed separately

LABA and inhaled corticosteroids, co-prescribed in 91.2% of patients who receive one and/or the other outside of a fixed combination.

Such “separate associations” were prescribed to 16.03% of patients.

4: Non-invasive ventilation and oxygen therapy

Ventilation or oxygen therapy. Respiratory support may be prescribed with respiratory rehabilitation.

One of the first two therapies was prescribed to 18.71% of patients.

5: Fixed combinations of short-acting anticholinergic and β2 agonist

These treatments are not prescribed in patients who receive long acting anticholinergics. Prescription of a fixed combination of LABA and ICS is possible and independent (neither association nor exclusion).

These fixed combinations were prescribed to 29.85% of patients.

6: Flu and pneumococcal vaccines

Flu or pneumococcal vaccines and antibiotics, sometimes associated with chest physiotherapy.

At least one of the two first vaccines and antibiotics were prescribed to 39.83% of patients.