Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire Scores Research Articles

The Glittre-ADL Test Cut-Off Point to Discriminate Abnormal Functional Capacity in Patients with COPD

ABSTRACTThe study objective was to determine a cut-off point for the Glittre activities of daily living (ADL)test (TGlittre) to discriminate patients with normal and abnormal functional capacity. Fifty-nine patients with moderate to very severe COPD (45 males; 65 ± 8.84 years; BMI: 26 ± 4.78 kg/m2; FEV1: 35.3 ± 13.4% pred) were evaluated for spirometry, TGlittre, 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), physical ADL, modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC), BODE index, Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off point for TGlittre in order to discriminate patients with 6 MWT < 82% pred. The ROC curve indicated a cut-off point of 3.5 minutes for the TGlittre (sensitivity = 92%, specificity = 83%, and area under the ROC curve = 0.95 [95% CI: 0.89–0.99]). Patients with abnormal functional capacity had higher mMRC (median difference 1 point), CAT (mean difference: 4.5 points), SGRQ (mean difference: 12.1 points), and BODE (1.37 points) scores, longer time of physical activity <1.5 metabolic equivalent of task (mean difference: 47.9 minutes) and in sitting position (mean difference: 59.4 minutes) and smaller number of steps (mean difference: 1,549 minutes); p < 0.05 for all. In conclusion, the cut-off point of 3.5 minutes in the TGlittre is sensitive and specific to distinguish COPD patients with abnormal and normal functional capacity.

Changes in quality of life and functional capacity after lung transplantation: A single-center experience.

Lung transplantation (LT) increases the life expectancy of patients affected by end stage pulmonary disease; specifically, its ultimate aims are to improve survival and health related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of the present longitudinal study was to determine the HRQoL trajectory and changes in functional capacity from time of entry in the waiting list for LT to 2 year after LT. The study included sixty-nine outpatients enrolled in a single medical center when they entered the waiting list for LT and who subsequently received it. They were then followed up over 2 years after LT. HRQoL was assessed by the physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS) scores of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Psychological distress was evaluated with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and functional capacity was investigated using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and forced expiratory volume (FEV1). Patients showed low SF-36 PCS (30.5±7.8) and SGRQ total (61.8±17.5) scores at entry in the waiting list, but exhibited significant changes over time after LT (p<0.001). Furthermore, patients who showed an increase of at least 50% in SF36 PCS and SGRQ scores at 6 months survived longer. Both FEV1 and 6MWT distance as well as GHQ scores significantly changed over time, with improvements occurring in the first 6 months after LT but no major changes thereafter. Out of the 69 patients enrolled, 32 died over a median follow-up of 51 months. Although mortality tended to be slightly higher for patients with lower HRQoL at the baseline assessment, this difference was not statistically significant. HRQoL evaluations appear critical in the follow-up of LT candidates, in particularly SGRQ, because of its specificity in targeting respiratory symptoms and functional wellbeing.

Criterion validity of 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale in patients with asthma.

The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) is reliable and valid in patients with hypertension, but to our knowledge validity has not been established for patients with asthma. The aim of the study was to determine the criterion validity of the MMAS-8 in patients with asthma. In the cross-sectional study patients older than 12 year were recruited when dispensed asthma medications in community pharmacies. Criterion validity of the scale was assessed through associations with asthma control and quality of life. Asthma control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test (ACT) and quality of life was evaluated by the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). A total of 208 patients (mean age 56 years, 59% female) were included in the study. Almost all patients were prescribed inhaled corticosteroids (96%). Asthma was not controlled in 37% of the patients and 22% experienced at least one exacerbation requiring emergency room visit, hospitalization or treatment with oral corticosteroid therapy in the previous year. The 8-item MMAS was significantly associated with asthma control and quality of life. Patients who scored 8 points, <8 to >6 points and ≤6 points on the scale were considered to have high, medium and low adherence, respectively. High, medium and low adherence was found in 53%, 23% and 24% of the patients, respectively. As adherence improved from low to medium or from medium to high, the odds of asthma control increased by 1.7 times (OR 1.65, p = 0.027). Patients with high and medium adherence had SGRQ scores that were 6.1 and 5.3 points lower, respectively, compared with patients with low adherence. The MMAS-8 was found to be valid for assessing medication adherence and predicting health outcomes in patients with asthma.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation in the intensive care unit: clinical, functional and quality of life at discharge and 3 months of follow up.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical/functional aspects and quality of life of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who were discharged after an intensive care unit admission for acute respiratory failure.MethodsThis prospective study included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who were admitted to two intensive care units between December of 2010 and August of 2011 and evaluated over three visits after discharge. Thirty patients were included, and 20 patients completed the three-month follow up.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the following: forced expiratory flow in one second (L) (1.1/1.4/1.4; p = 0.019), six-minute walk test (m) (- /232.8 /272.6; p = 0.04), BODE score (7.5/5.0/3.8; p = 0.001), cognition measured by the Mini Mental State Examination (21/23.5/23.5; p = 0.008) and quality of life measured by the total Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire score (63.3/56.8/51, p = 0.02). The mean difference in the total score was 12.3 (between visits 1 and three). Important clinical differences were observed for the symptom score (18.8), activities score (5.2) and impact score (14.3). The majority of participants (80%) reported they would be willing to undergo a new intensive care unit admission.ConclusionDespite the disease severity, there was a significant clinical, functional and quality of life improvement at the end of the third month. Most patients would be willing to undergo a new intensive care unit admission.

Effect of comorbidities on response to pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background and objectivePatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) typically manifest with worsening dyspnea, poor exercise tolerance and diminished quality of life. In addition, comorbidities are commonly reported in these patients, complicating management strategies. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an evidence-based multimodality therapy increasingly prescribed for symptomatic COPD patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of comorbidities on achieving proper response to PR in patients with COPD. MethodsForty patients with COPD were enrolled in PR program of upper and lower extremity exercise, and were prospectively followed. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was used as a cut-off to determine response in six-minute walk distance (6MWD), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and estimated maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). According to comorbidities patients were divided into three groups: patients without comorbidities, patients with one comorbidity and patients with more than one comorbidity. ResultsComorbidities were diagnosed in 34 patients (85%). Patients with one or more comorbidity had significantly worse baseline mMRC, 6MWD, SGRQ score and VO2max but not FEV1%. Thirty-two patients (80%) showed improvements beyond the MCID. Factors that predicted better response included higher arterial PaCO2, presence of osteoporosis, and lower baseline 6MWD, mMRC and VO2max. ConclusionsPulmonary rehabilitation can be offered to COPD patients from different severity stages. Comorbidities occur very commonly in patients with COPD and their presence worsens the baseline functional status in these patients which makes them more liable to achieve larger benefits from PR.

The rehabilitation effects of Si tactic of breathing exercises for stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective To discuss Si tactic of breathing exercises on the rehabilitation of lung function, dyspnea, distance of 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), respiratory muscle endurance and quality of life in stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods 63 patients with COPD were divided into experimental group with 31 cases and control group with 32 cases according to random digital table method. The experimental group were given routine treatment and nursing care, take Si tactic of breathing exercises. The control group were given routine treatment and nursing care only. Both groups were given treatment for 4 months. The indexes of lung function (FEV1, FEV1%, FEV1/FVC), scores of the Modified Medical Research Council Scale (MMRC), 6MWD, scores of Saint-George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) changes before and after the therapy were measured. Results After intervention, the lung function as measured by FEV1, MVV, 6MWD showed a significant improvement in the experimental group, and was higher than that in the control group[(1.42±0.43) L vs.(1.22±0.32) L and (1.21±0.45) L,(52.39±14.21) L vs.(47.20±14.59) L and (43.65±11.89) L, (288.36±71.70) m vs.(244.42±71.50) m and (250 .56±79.25) m, P<0.05]; MMRC scores, SGRQ scores, activities and daily life part score were lower after intervention and was lower than that in the control group [(2.63±1.00) points vs. (3.21±0.92) points and (3.14±1.12) points, (44.38±5.23) points vs. (54.74±5.73) points and (52.87±5.49) points, (41.25± 6.03) pints vs.(66.48±6.38) points and (64.13±5.34) points, (28.00±7.34) points vs. (44.87±4.86) points and (42.31±9.12) points, P<0.05]. Conclusions For COPD patients in stable stage, Si tactic of breathing exercises can improve the pulmonary function and alleviate dyspnea, enhance exercise endurance and respiratory endurance, thereby improve the quality of life of patients, so this is one of the method for comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation in the future. Key words: Pulmonary disease, Chronic obstructive; Breathing exercises; Pulmonary rehabilitation

The Effects of Budesonid That Added to Tiotropium Therapy on Health Related Quality of Life, Exercise Capacity and Pulmonary Functions in COPD Patients

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding inhaled budesonide to the tiotropium treatment on the pulmonary function tests, health-related quality of life and exercise capacity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Forty study subjects with COPD were randomized to two groups. The patients in the first group was treated with 1x1 18 mcg of Tiotropium and the patients in the second group was treated with the combination of tiotropium (18 mcg 1x1) and budesonide (400 mcg 2x1) for three months. Pulmonary function tests, six minute walk test, body mass index and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores were recorded both at the beginning and 3 months later and the results at the begining and third month were compared with each other. There were no statistically significant difference in all basline parameters between the two groups. Results: At the end of the study, no statistically significant differences were obtained between two groups in terms of pulmonary function tests (p>0.05). Significant improvements were observed on the parameters of walking distance (p=0.023) and SGRQ scores (symptom score: p<0.001, activity score: p=0.001, impact score: p=0.003 and total score: p<0.001) in Group 2 when compared with Group 1. Conclusion: These results show that, in patients with COPD, tiotropium/budesonide combination is more effective than alone tiotropium inhalation in quality of life and exercise performance. But this combination is not more effective in improving lung functions.

Behavior of Quality of Life (SGRQ) in COPD Patients According to BODE Scores

IntroductionTo evaluate if the association between the BODE index and deterioration in health-related quality of life is linear. To determine possible associations between the BODE index and health status evaluated by the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) at all levels of disease severity in COPD. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on 253 patients from two Latin American respiratory centers (Brazil and Chile) with a clinical diagnosis of COPD, based on GOLD criteria. Assessment included the BODE index and the SGRQ questionnaire. ResultsPatients had a BODE index of 3.1±2.0; FEV1 (%) of 49±19.2; BMI (kg/m2) of 24.7±5.1; 6MWT distance (meters) of 444±96. Significant correlations were found between the BODE index and SGRQ total scores (r=0.5; <0.001), impact (r=0.45; <0.001) and activity (r=0.5; <0.001). From BODE score zero, HRQOL was already compromised in all SGRQ domains. SGRQ scores (total and domain) increased progressively for individual components of the BODE index, with the decrease in airflow limitation (<0.05), BMI (<0.002) and 6MWT (<0.05), and with the increase in the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) score (<0.05). ConclusionThere is an association between health-related quality of life, as assessed by the SGRQ and the BODE index within the entire spectrum of COPD severity. Even in early disease stages and BODE index zero, health-related quality of life is already impaired.

Comportamiento de la calidad de vida (SGRQ) en pacientes con EPOC según las puntuaciones BODE

IntroductionTo evaluate if the association between the BODE index and deterioration in health-related quality of life is linear. To determine possible associations between the BODE index and health status evaluated by the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) at all levels of disease severity in COPD. MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on 253 patients from two Latin American respiratory centers (Brazil and Chile) with a clinical diagnosis of COPD, based on GOLD criteria. Assessment included the BODE index and the SGRQ questionnaire. ResultsPatients had a BODE index of 3.1±2.0; FEV1 (%) of 49±19.2; BMI (kg/m2) of 24.7±5.1; 6MWT distance (meters) of 444±96. Significant correlations were found between the BODE index and SGRQ total scores (r=0.5; <0.001), impact (r=0.45; <0.001) and activity (r=0.5; <0.001). From BODE score zero, HRQOL was already compromised in all SGRQ domains. SGRQ scores (total and domain) increased progressively for individual components of the BODE index, with the decrease in airflow limitation (<0.05), BMI (<0.002) and 6MWT (<0.05), and with the increase in the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) score (<0.05). ConclusionThere is an association between health-related quality of life, as assessed by the SGRQ and the BODE index within the entire spectrum of COPD severity. Even in early disease stages and BODE index zero, health-related quality of life is already impaired.

Assessment of Montelukast, Doxofylline, and Tiotropium With Budesonide for the Treatment of Asthma: Which Is the Best Among the Second-line Treatment? A Randomized Trial

PurposeData comparing various second-line treatments for asthma with subjective and objective assessment are lacking. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of montelukast, doxofylline, and tiotropium with a low-dose budesonide in patients with mild to moderate persistent asthma. MethodsPatients, all of whom were concurrently using inhaled budesonide (400 µg), were treated for 6 months with formoterol (12 µg), montelukast (10 mg), doxofylline (400 mg), or tiotropium (18 µg). Outcomes included forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, asthma symptom scores (daytime and nighttime), and assessment of tolerability and rescue medication use. FindingsA total of 297 patients completed the study. In all 4 groups, significant improvements were observed in all the outcome measures, with formoterol treatment having greater and earlier improvements than the other 3 second-line controller medications with budesonide. Among the second-line treatments, monteradlukast improved the FEV1 from day 45 (P < 0.01), SGRQ scores from day 30 (P < 0.0001), daytime scores from day 30 (P < 0.05), nighttime scores from day 30 (P < 0.0001), and rescue medication use from day 15 (P < .0001) at a faster rate than doxofylline or tiotropium with budesonide. No patients discontinued the treatment because of adverse reactions. ImplicationsAmong the tested second-line treatment regimens, the budesonide/montelukast combination was found to be superior to either the budesonide/doxofylline or budesonide/tiotropium combination in all the outcome measures without adversely affecting the tolerability of the patients. Further clinical studies with blinding techniques are likely to be useful.

Evaluation of correlation of BODE index with health-related quality of life among patients with stable COPD attending a tertiary care hospital.

Background:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive deterioration of respiratory function along with systemic effects which have a great impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Classification of severity of airflow limitation in COPD does not represent the clinical consequences of COPD. Hence, combined COPD assessment should be preferred. BODE index (Body mass index, Airflow obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise capacity) has recently been proposed to provide useful prognostic information.Objectives:To find out correlations between the BODE index and HRQoL, and between GOLD classification of COPD severity and HRQoL in stable COPD patients, and to compare between these two correlations.Materials and Methods:A longitudinal observational study was carried out with 114 stable COPD patients recruited over 10 months at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, India. Patients were classified according to GOLD classification of severity of airflow limitation after performing spirometry. BODE index was calculated for each patient. Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to assess the HRQoL.Results:BODE scores were categorized into four quartiles, quartile one to four with scores of 0-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-10, respectively. Higher BODE quartiles were associated with higher total SGRQ scores and SGRQ subscale scores (symptom, activity and impact). Very strong correlations were found between BODE quartiles and total SGRQ scores (P = 0.914; P < 0.01). In contrast, GOLD classes showed moderate correlation with total SGRQ scores (P = 0.590; P < 0.01).Conclusions:BODE index was strongly correlated with the HRQoL in stable COPD patients and it was better than GOLD classes of COPD severity to reflect the health status in patients with stable COPD.

Quality of life and psychological disorders in Egyptian patients with chronic lung diseases: Clinico-physiological correlation

ObjectivesChronic lung diseases lead to impairment of daily activities, work and quality of life. The aim of this work was to assess the quality of life, depression and anxiety in Egyptian patients with chronic lung diseases. Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on 117 patients with chronic lung disease. Patients had chronic obstructive lung disease (48), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (36) or bronchiectasis (33). All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, spirometry, arterial oxygen saturation and 6-min walk distance test. All patients responded to the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, Specific Activity Scale (SAS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). ResultsThe majority of patients had an anxiety or depression disorder or both. The SGRQ score showed a significant direct correlation with age, disease onset, MRC, the SAS, the HAMA and the HAMD scores. Linear regression analysis showed that body mass index, MRC, SAS and HAMD were found to be significant predictors for the total score of the SGRQ. None of the spirometry parameters or the arterial oxygen saturation were found to be significant predictors of the quality of life. ConclusionIn chronic lung diseases, depression and anxiety disorders are not uncommon. SGRQ is a valid measure for quality of life in such patients that appears to be sensitive in distinguishing different levels of health impairment in such patients. Body mass index, MRC, SAS and HAMD were found to be independent predictors for SGRQ score.

Impact of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations on Respiratory–Related Quality of Life in Patients with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia

Fifteen to fifty percent of patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia have pulmonary arteriovenous malformations. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of the presence of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and of their embolisation on respiratory-related quality of life (QoL). We prospectively recruited patients with a diagnosis of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia based on the Curaçao criteria and/or the identification of a pathogenic mutation. Respiratory-related quality of life was measured using the Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Patients who underwent embolisation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations completed the questionnaire before and 6–12 mo after the procedure. The 56 participants were divided into three groups: no pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (group A, n = 10), small pulmonary arteriovenous malformations not accessible to embolotherapy (group B, n = 19), and large pulmonary arteriovenous malformations accessible to embolotherapy (group C, n = 27). The SGRQ score was significantly higher in group C compared to the other groups, indicating a worse respiratory-specific QoL. There was no significant difference between groups A and B. Among the 17 patients who underwent an embolisation, the SGRQ score decreased significantly after the procedure, to a value similar to that in patients without pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. Our results indicate that the presence of large but not small pulmonary arteriovenous malformations negatively affects the respiratory-related quality of life and that embolisation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations normalizes the respiratory-related quality of life.

Association of chronic nasal symptoms with dyspnoea and quality‐of‐life impairment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Previous studies suggested that chronic nasal symptoms (CNS) are frequent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects, but their contribution to dyspnoea and quality-of-life (QoL) impairment is not clearly established. Data from the French COPD cohort 'Initiatives bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive' were analyzed to assess the frequency of CNS (rhinorrhea, obstruction, anosmia) in COPD patients and analyze their impact and associated risk factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between CNS with sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, risk factors, respiratory symptoms, spirometry, QoL (Saint George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ)), dyspnoea (modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale), mood disorders (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), number of exacerbations and comorbid conditions. CNS were reported by 115 of 274 COPD subjects (42%). Among them, rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction were reported by 62% and 43%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, COPD patients with CNS had higher SGRQ total scores, corresponding to worse QoL (P = 0.01), while no independent association was found with exacerbations, lung function and HADS. Among SGRQ domains, an independent association was found with the activity score (P = 0.007). When SGRQ score was forced out of the model to avoid redundancy, mMRC score was independently associated with CNS (P = 0.01). Among risk factors, cumulative smoking, hay fever and atopic dermatitis but not occupational exposures were independently associated with CNS. In this group of COPD subjects, CNS were frequently observed and associated with dyspnoea and poorer QoL. CNS should be systematically assessed and could be a potential target in the management of COPD.

Dynamic Expiratory Tracheal Collapse in Morbidly Obese COPD Patients

Morbid obesity may influence several aspects of airway function. However, the effect of morbid obesity on expiratory tracheal collapse in COPD patients is unknown. We thus prospectively studied 100 COPD patients who underwent full pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and low-dose CT at total lung capacity and during dynamic exhalation with spirometric monitoring. We examined correlations between percentage dynamic expiratory tracheal collapse and body mass index (BMI). The association between tracheal collapse and BMI was compared to a control group of 53 volunteers without COPD. Patients included 48 women and 52 men with mean age 65 ± 7 years; BMI 30 ± 6; FEV1 64 ± 22% predicted and percentage expiratory collapse 59 ± 19%. Expiratory collapse was significantly associated with BMI (69 ± 12% tracheal collapse among 20 morbidly obese patients with BMI ≥35 compared to 57 ±19% in others, p = 0.002, t-test). In contrast, there was no significant difference in collapse between healthy volunteers with BMI ≥ 35 and < 35. COPD patients with BMI ≥ 35 also demonstrated shorter 6MWT distances (340 ± 139 m vs. 430 ± 139 m, p = 0.003) and higher (worse) total SGRQ scores (48 ± 19 vs. 36 ± 20, p = 0.013) compared to those with BMI < 35. In light of these results, clinicians should consider evaluating for excessive expiratory tracheal collapse when confronted with a morbidly obese COPD patient with greater quality of life impairment and worse exercise performance than expected based on functional measures.

Increased asthma risk and impaired quality of life after bronchiolitis or pneumonia in infancy

Recent studies have revealed that adulthood asthma has its origin in early childhood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of asthma and respiratory health-related quality of life in adults 30 years after hospitalization for bronchiolitis or pneumonia in infancy. Patients who were hospitalized for bronchiolitis or pneumonia at age under 24 months in 1981-1982 have been followed in repeated visits. In 2010, 48 of the 83 former patients with bronchiolitis (57.8%), 22 of the 44 former patients with pneumonia (50.0%), and 138 matched controls participated in the clinical study at the age of 28-31 years. The participants completed a structured questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and underwent 2-week peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring. Asthma was defined as doctor-diagnosed and self-reported asthma based on doctor-prescribed medication for asthma, the presence of asthma-presumptive symptoms, and the results of home PEF monitoring. Both doctor-diagnosed asthma (31.3% vs. 10.9% adjusted P = 0.002) and self-reported asthma (35.4% vs. 14.5% 0.003), as well as repeated on-demand use of bronchodilators (35.4% vs. 14.5% 0.002), and regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (20.8% vs. 8.7% 0.023) were more common in former bronchiolitis patients than in controls. Former bronchiolitis and pneumonia patients had higher total SGRQ scores than controls. The median scores were 5.4 (IQ(25-75) 0.0-14.7, P < 0.001) in bronchiolitis group, 4.9 (1.3-14.8, 0.012) in pneumonia group compared to controls 1.5 (0.0-6.0). Hospitalization for bronchiolitis in infancy is associated with an increased risk of asthma, and an increased use of asthma medication in adulthood at the age of 28-31 years. Impaired respiratory health-related quality of life in adulthood as measured by the SGRQ is present after bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infancy.

Portuguese-language version of the COPD Assessment Test: validation for use in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To validate a Portuguese-language version of the COPD assessment test (CAT) for use in Brazil and to assess the reproducibility of this version. METHODS: This was multicenter study involving patients with stable COPD at two teaching hospitals in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. Two independent observers (twice in one day) administered the Portuguese-language version of the CAT to 50 patients with COPD. One of those observers again administered the scale to the same patients one week later. At baseline, the patients were submitted to pulmonary function testing and the six-minute walk test (6MWT), as well as completing the previously validated Portuguese-language versions of the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale, and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). RESULTS: Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93-0.97; p < 0.001; and ICC = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96-0.98; p < 0.001, respectively). Bland Altman plots showed good test-retest reliability. The CAT total score correlated significantly with spirometry results, 6MWT distance, SGRQ scores, MMRC dyspnea scale scores, and HADS-depression scores. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese-language version of the CAT is a valid, reproducible, and reliable instrument for evaluating patients with COPD in Brazil.

Effectiveness of a Brief Self-Care Support Intervention for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Among the Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Korea

This study assessed effects of a brief self-care support intervention (SCSI) to promote health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-care adherence among elderly patients with COPD in Korea. A single-blinded, randomized pre-/posttest design A total of 40 participants were consecutively recruited from eligible patients admitted with an exacerbation of COPD to a department of pulmonology at a university hospital. Twenty participants were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received an SCSI utilizing a motivational interview. All participants were assessed with peak expiratory flow rate and 6-minute walking distance test, and answered Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and a questionnaire on self-care adherence at pre-intervention and 2months postintervention. After the intervention, SGRQ scores for symptom, activity, impact, and total were significantly lower and self-care adherence scores of medication and exercise were significantly higher in the experimental group. This study confirmed the short-tem effectiveness of a nurse-led self-management intervention for pulmonary rehabilitation on quality of life and self-care adherence among elderly patients with COPD. Further studies are warranted to verify effective strategies to improve exercise capacity for this population. Our findings suggest a brief intervention for rehabilitation nursing with more retainable, feasible, and cost-effective strategies to enhance self-management among the elderly patients with COPD.

Adaptação cultural e avaliação da reprodutibilidade do Duke Activity Status Index para pacientes com DPOC no Brasil

OBJETIVO: Adaptar culturalmente e avaliar a reprodutibilidade do Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) para o português do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados pacientes estáveis com diagnóstico clínico e espirométrico de DPOC. Inicialmente, o DASI foi traduzido para o português, e a adaptação cultural foi realizada por uma comissão de especialistas. Em seguida, o questionário foi aplicado em 12 pacientes para saber suas dúvidas e dificuldades, sendo realizadas as devidas adaptações. Um tradutor independente fez a tradução retrógrada, que foi submetida e aprovada pelo autor original. A versão final do DASI foi aplicada em 50 pacientes em dois momentos, com intervalo de 30 minutos (reprodutibilidade interobservador) e, num terceiro momento, após 15 dias (reprodutibilidade intraobservador). RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 62,3 ± 10,0 anos, a média do VEF1 foi de 45,2 ± 14,7% do valor previsto, e a do índice de massa corpórea foi de 26,8 ± 5,8 kg/m². Os coeficientes de correlação intraclasse intraobservador e interobservador foram de 0,95 e 0,90, respectivamente. As correlações do DASI com todos os domínios do Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) foram negativas e estatisticamente significantes. As melhores correlações ocorreram com o domínio atividade (r = -0,70) e a pontuação total do SGRQ (r = -0,66), assim como com a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (r = 0,55). CONCLUSÕES: A versão em língua portuguesa do Brasil do DASI é reprodutível, de rápida e fácil aplicação e apresentou uma boa correlação com o SGRQ.

Udenafil Improves Exercise Capacity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Prospective Study

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and there is no effective pharmacological treatment for COPD-associated PH. We evaluated the effect of udenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, on the exercise capacity of patients with severe COPD. Patients with severe and very severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) <50% of predicted) received udenafil (50 mg daily) for 8 weeks. A 6-min walk test (6MWT), lung function test, Doppler echocardiography, and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were completed before and after therapy. The primary outcome was a change in the 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Thirty-eight patients were screened for eligibility, and 23 completed the study. After 8 weeks of udenafil treatment, the mean 6MWD increased from 315 to 348 m (p = 0.02), and median PASP decreased from 36 to 30 mmHg (p = 0.02). There were no changes in the SGRQ score, Borg dyspnea score, or pulmonary function parameters. The PDE-5 inhibitor udenafil improved exercise capacity and decreased pulmonary artery pressure in patients with severe COPD. However, due to the small sample size, uncontrolled design and high dropout rate, the efficacy of udenafil in severe COPD needs to be confirmed in a large-scale randomized controlled study. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (number: NCT01364181).