Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause for death worldwide, with a growing prevalence and mortality in Hungary too. Yet, there is only a limited registry to follow COPD patients in Hungary.

Aim: To assess the epidemiological characteristics of COPD patients receiving inhaled maintenance therapy over time using the database of the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Methods: Prevalence, incidence, age, gender, comorbidities and exacerbation rates of patients were studied, who annually at least once dispensed maintenance inhaled medications prescribed for COPD between 2011 and 2019 according to the NHIF. The NHIF database encompasses the entire population of Hungary. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used.

Results: 308,843 patients were included. The prevalence of COPD increased from 96,000 in 2011 to 115,802 patients in 2019. The proportion of patients dispensing ? 2 prescriptions/year for maintenance inhaled therapy increased over time (2011 vs. 2019: 84.2% vs. 90.3%; p<0.001). The proportion of male patients decreased (53.1% vs. 50.1%; p<0.001). Each year the most prevalent age group was those >70 years with a steady increase over time (34.0% vs. 40.4%, p<0.001). The most common comorbidities were hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease and anxiety. The annual prevalence of hospital admissions due to COPD decreased over time (16.6% vs. 13.5%, p<0.001).

Conclusions: There was an increase in COPD prevalence in Hungary between 2011 and 2019. Age and gender distribution of COPD changed over time. Hospitalisations for exacerbations are still high. Real-life healthcare data provide useful information on patients treated for COPD.