Mobile cardiorespiratory and metabolic laboratory: diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine risk factors of chronic non-infectious diseases and early diagnosis of cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine functional disorders in industrial workers using a mobile cardiorespiratory and metabolic laboratory. Methods. This was a prospective non-comparative observational study in a non-selected population. All participants underwent the following measurements: weight and height, wrist and thigh circumferences, pulse oxymetry, exhaled nitric oxide (NO) and exhaled carbon monooxide (CO), spirometry before and after bronchodilator inhalation, electrocardiogram, arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction, blood glucose and blood total cholesterol. Indirect calorimetry with energy expenditure calculation was used in several patients. Validated questionnaires were also used. Results. The study involved 194 industrial workers. High prevalence of risk factors, such as tobacco smoking (45% of active smokers, 31% of ex-smokers), obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg x m –2 in 37%), hypercholesterolemia (34%), and endothelial dysfunction (57%), was found. Vascular biomechanics correlated with bronchial patency, systemic arterial pressure and exhaled CO concentration. Bronchial obstruction was found in 56% of subjects, of them, COPD was diagnosed in 13%. Conclusion. Mobile cardiorespiratory and metabolic laboratory allows medical care delivery directly to a working place, and effective detection of risk factors and chronic lung disease.