Comparison of two questionnaires CAT and MRF 26 to assess the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on health status in COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure

Abstract

The effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well established as well as in patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF). COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is a simple instrument that provides measurement of COPD health status, it is easy to use, can be completed in two minutes and it is responsive to PR. Maugeri Respiratory Failure (MRF26) Questionnaire is the only questionnaire specifically designed for CRF, it comprises 26 questions and includes sections to measure daily activity (DA) and self -perceived disability (SD), it is specific and sensitive to detect the changes after PR. The aim of the study is to compare CAT and MRF26 and the response to PR in COPD patients with CRF. Thirty-five patients with moderate to very severe COPD (30 males and 6 females, age range 49-78 years old), undergoing long-term oxygen therapy were studied. Spirometry, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed and CAT and MRF26 questionnaires were administered before and after a six week9s rehabilitation program. 6MWT, CAT and MRF26 before and after rehabilitation were significantly different p These data show that CAT, is a questionnaire that is able to capture the change in health status after PR and the correlation to MRF26 total score, daily activity and self -perceived disability scores supports its use also in COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure.