Comparison of adventitious respiratory sounds between stable COPD and AECOPD

Abstract

Adventitious respiratory sounds (ARS) provide valuable information on the respiratory system and may contribute for diagnosing acute exacerbations in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD). However, it is unknown how ARS behave during stable and exacerbation periods of the disease. Thus, this study compared ARS between patients with stable and exacerbated COPD. 27 outpatients participated, 13 with stable COPD (69±9yrs; FEV 1 70.9±21.4% predicted) and 14 with an AECOPD (67±12yrs; FEV 1 58.7±19.8% predicted). Respiratory sounds were recorded simultaneously at posterior right and left chestusing stethoscopes with microphones in the main tube. Airflow was standardised (0.4-0.6l/s) and recorded with a pneumotachograph. Breathing phases were detected using the airflow signals and ARS with developed algorithms. Data are shown as median. Groups presented no differences regarding age (p=.51) or GOLD grade (p=.41). Patients with AECOPD had significantly more inspiratory (2.97 vs. 1.20, p Crackles and wheezes are significantly more frequent in patients with an AECOPD. These findings suggest that computerised auscultation can be a useful tool in the detection and/or follow-up of AECOPD.