Association of low attenuation area (LAA) scores with pulmonary function and clinical prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

BackgroundThe utilization of easily determined parameters, such as the Low Attenuation Area can serve as valuable indicators for assessing the clinical course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These parameters can also guide appropriate treatment strategies. AimWe aimed to examine the relationship between LAA scores, pulmonary function parameters, and the clinical prognosis of COPD patients. MethodsIn this study, a total of 182 patients with COPD ranging from 43 to 76 years of age were included. These patients were classified into four grades based on their LAA scores. We conducted analysis of various lung function parameters, including FEV1, FVC, WT, BWT, MIP, MEP, and EI. Moreover, we evaluated patient symptoms using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and assessed their exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). ResultsElevated LAA levels were found to be associated with decreased lung function and airflow limitations, indicating a correlation between these factors. Furthermore, as the severity of COPD based on LAA stratification worsened, clinical symptom scores exhibited an increase. The decline in 6MWT scores demonstrated reduced exercise capacity with increasing COPD severity. Additionally, higher LAA scores were linked to increased SGRQ scores, indicating a decline in quality of life (QOL). ConclusionThe study revealed a significant association between LAA scores and the severity of COPD. Higher LAA scores were indicative of impaired lung function, exacerbated clinical symptoms, reduced exercise capacity, and diminished QOL. These findings demonstrate the clinical relevance of LAA scores in assessing disease severity and managing COPD.