Procedures
exacerbations, COPD
ADVERSE EVENTS, CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE, COPD
The trial involved a screening visit, a baseline visit (visit 1), and 8 weeks of double-blind treatment with valaciclovir (1 g tid for 8 weeks) or matching placebo with scheduled follow-up visits at week 4 (visit 2) and week 8 (visit 3). Participants continued with their allocated treatment schedule until they attended visit 3. A final follow-up phone call occurred at week 12 to assess adverse events (AEs) and exacerbations. The demographic and clinical details of each participant were recorded at the baseline visit. All study visits included detailed clinical assessment including documentation of medical history, medications, assessment of exacerbations, and sputum collection for quantification of EBV and exploratory outcomes. In accordance with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease recommendations, an exacerbation of COPD was defined as “an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms that results in additional therapy.”