Frequent exacerbations of COPD are associated with severity of airflow limitation and chronic cough, sputum production

Abstract

Several studies suggest that frequent exacerbations (≥2 exacerbations / year) are associated with severity of COPD and poor quality of life in subjects with COPD. Our objective was to identify features associated with frequent exacerbations of COPD. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of data obtained from Algerian patients prospectively recruited in a specialized consultation. The cohort included 142 subjects with COPD (67 ± 10 years, FEV1, 53 ± 19 % of the predicted value). Subjects with frequent exacerbations defined by 2 or more exacerbations in the last year (n= 52) and subjects with less than 2 exacerbations last year (n= 90), were compared. Results: No difference was observed between groups for age, smoking status, anxiety, depression score (anxiety depression scale questionnaire), MCS score (MOS SF-36), and comorbidities. The subjects with frequent exacerbations were more symptomatic (mMRC score 1.82±0.78 vs 1.48± 0.67) p.0.008, their airflow limitation was more severe (43.71±19.1 vs 59.77±16.44 % of the predicted value) p ˂0.001, distance traveled at the 6-minute walk test, PCS score (MOS SF-36), and BMI were significantly lower than others,(332.69±116 m vs 375.52±109 m) p0.03,(36.92±9.34 vs 42.69± 8.75) p0.001, (22.49±3.81vs 24.49±5.21) p0.01 respectively. Chronic cough and sputum production was more common in subjects with frequent exacerbations, 48% vs 26% p0.01. Chronic cough, sputum production and severity of airflow limitation were the only variables associated with frequent exacerbations p.0.007 and p0.001 respectively (logistic regression). frequent exacerbation is associated with severity of airflow limitation and chronic cough, sputum production.