Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire Research Articles

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.

Factors associated with changes in quality of life of COPD patients: A prospective study in primary care

A primary objective in the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is to improve their health status. To identify the factors associated with changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with COPD after one year of follow-up in primary care. Multicenter, prospective study with one year of follow-up. The end-point was the change in total score on the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Patients with a clinically relevant (>4 points) decrease or increase in SGRQ total score were compared. Factors associated with the changes in HRQoL observed after one year were determined by logistic regression analysis. A total of 791 patients (mean age, 70.2 years) were analyzed. Mean FEV1 (% predicted) was 52.4%. Average total SGQR score was 37.1 (SD=19.1) at baseline and 35.6 (SD=18.9) at follow-up. Significantly improved HRQoL was observed in 36.7% of patients, and was associated with starting polymedication, pulmonology visits, and balanced diet; ending respiratory rehabilitation, quitting smoking; and not being a frequent exacerbator. Quality of life worsened significantly in 29.2% of patients, and was associated with worsening respiratory symptoms and increased hospital admissions. Although overall changes in HRQoL observed after one year were minimal, more than one third of patients improved significantly, and one third had significantly worse HRQoL. Clinical factors were independently associated with these changes, emphasizing the relevance to improved HRQoL of starting a healthy lifestyle and respiratory treatments and the negative impact on HRQoL of COPD symptoms onset and admissions.

THU0221 Lung physiology impairment in anca-associated vasculitis (AASV)

BackgroundAlthough lung involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AASV) is frequent, few studies1 exist regarding assessment of lung function.ObjectivesTo describe lung function in inactive AASV patients, relate them to previous lung damage...

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.

The lung in paracoccidioidomycosis: new insights into old problems

OBJECTIVES:Chronic paracoccidioidomycosis can diffusely affect the lungs. Even after antifungal therapy, patients may present with residual respiratory abnormalities due to fungus-induced lung fibrosis.METHODS:A cross-sectional analysis of 50 consecutive inactive, chronic paracoccidioidomycosis patients was performed using high resolution computed tomography, pulmonary function tests, ergospirometry, the six-minute walk test and health-related quality of life questionnaires.RESULTS:Radiological abnormalities were present in 98% of cases, the most frequent of which were architectural distortion (90%), reticulate and septal thickening (88%), centrilobular and paraseptal emphysema (84%) and parenchymal bands (74%). Patients typically presented with a mild obstructive disorder and a mild reduction in diffusion capacity with preserved exercise capacity, including VO2max and six-minute walking distance. Patient evaluation with the Saint-George Respiratory Questionnaire showed low impairment in the health-related quality of life, and the Medical Research Council questionnaire indicated a low dyspnea index. There were, however, patients with significant oxygen desaturation upon exercise that was associated with respiratory distress compared with the non-desaturated patients. The initial counterimmunoelectrophoresis of these patients was higher and lung emphysema was more prominent; however, there were no differences in the interstitial fibrotic tomographic abnormalities, tobacco exposure, functional responses, exercise capacity or quality of life.CONCLUSIONS:Inactive, chronic paracoccidioidomycosis patients show persistent and disseminated radiological abnormalities by high resolution computed tomography, short impairments in pulmonary function and low impacts on aerobic capacity and quality of life. However, there was a subset of individuals whose functional impairment was more severe. These patients present with higher initial serology and more severe emphysema, stressing the importance of adequate treatment associated with tobacco exposure cessation.

Healthcare utilization and health‐related quality of life of adult survivors of preterm birth complicated by bronchopulmonary dysplasia

This study aims to characterize the impact of preterm birth, respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia on quality of life and healthcare utilization in adulthood. A mail survey on quality of life and respiratory health was sent to a list of potential subjects identified using the databases of the Régie de l'asssurance maladie du Québec. Four groups of adults born between 1987 and 1993 were compared: (i) preterm with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, (ii) preterm with respiratory distress syndrome, (iii) preterm without respiratory complications and (iv) term controls. As a complement, data from the governmental healthcare administrative databases were extracted for responders. Although the groups differed in their use of healthcare services and prescription drugs, no clinically significant difference was observed for Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), SF-36v2 and Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnea Scale scores. However, compared to term subjects, bronchopulmonary dysplasia subjects were less likely to access higher education and more likely to be either invalid or unemployed. Compared to term subjects, subjects with a history of prematurity and respiratory distress syndrome or bronchopulmonary dysplasia had similar health-related quality of life and respiratory symptoms despite greater use of healthcare services and prescription drugs.

The effects of respiratory muscle training on improvement of the internal and external thoraco-pulmonary respiratory mechanism in COPD patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CPOD) is a severe, incapacitating pathology. Inspiratory and/or expiratory muscle training may favorably impact the indicators of both specific and general improvement with regard to this disease. We are hypothesizing that when combined with bronchial decluttering, this training will have a beneficial effect on lung function and quality of life in these patients. Fourty COPD subjects classified GoldI and GoldII and aged 60.38±8.02years were divided into four groups of 10. Three of the groups were trained with the help of Threshold(®) tools used for (1) inspiratory, (2) expiratory and (3) inspiratory and expiratory purposes; their training supplemented the decluttering and lower limb muscle exercise that the 4th group concurrently received. The patients underwent 16rehabilitation sessions over an 8-week period. The variables consisted in: (1) forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and spirometrically measured peak expiratory and inspiratory flow rates (PEFR and PIFR); (2) fatigability, dyspnea, heart rate and walking distance evaluated during the 6-minute walk test; (3) maximum inspiratory pressure and (4) maximum expiratory pressure as assessed by the Threshold(®) tools and (5) the signs of quality of life in terms of the Saint-George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) score. Only in group1, there was significant improvement with regard to FEV1 and PEFR. There was no PIFR modification in any of the groups. On the other hand, signs of quality of life scores along with dyspnea, fatigability and heart rate showed significant improvement in the three experimental groups, and significant improvement in maximum inspiratory pressure was observed in groups1 and 3. When associated with decluttering techniques, diaphragmatic rehabilitation and lower limb muscle exercise along with psychological support and educational efforts, respiratory muscle training is beneficial when compared with the usual protocols in rehabilitation of COPD patients.

Associations of Daily Walking Activity with Biomarkers Related to Cardiac Distress in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: The prevalence of cardiovascular mortality is high in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the identification of clinical parameters to improve risk stratification is of great interest. Objectives: This study aims to assess the predictive strength of daily walking activity on expression of cardiac biomarkers in patients with COPD. Methods: One hundred and five patients with COPD (66.1 ± 8.7 years of age) were prospectively analyzed. Daily walking activity was measured by means of accelerometry. Stepwise multivariate regression analyses were employed with either midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide (MRproANP) or plasma proadrenomedullin (MRproADM) as dependent variables, and age, age-adjusted Charlson score, Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (MMRC), Saint Georges Respiratory Questionnaire total score and either total walk, steps per day or fast walk as covariates. Results: Independent predictors of MRproANP included age (p = 0.015) and either total walk or steps per day (both p < 0.0001). Total walk or steps per day were the only independent predictors of MRproADM (p < 0.0001). There was a significant negative correlation between fast walk and MMRC (R = -0.70; p < 0.001) and fast walk was only independently predictive of MRproANP but not MRproADM once MMRC was excluded from the list of covariates (p = 0.023 and p = 0.057, respectively). Conclusions: Daily walking activity independently predicts levels of circulating MRproANP and MRproADM in stable COPD patients, two prognostic biomarkers of cardiac distress associated with long-term survival upon exacerbation of COPD. Employing activity monitors in the stable state might simplify risk stratification in daily living.

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.

Pulmonary function change in patients with Sauropus androgynus-related obstructive lung disease 15 years later

Little is understood about the clinical course and prognosis of patients with Sauropus androgynus-related obstructive lung disease. The aim of this study was to investigate their clinical manifestations and pulmonary function change 15 years after the acute episode. A descriptive, observational study of patients with S androgynus-related obstructive lung disease, diagnosed 15 years ago, was conducted. We evaluated their pulmonary function and the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale. Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was also performed. Age- and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)-matched chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients were used as a reference group for comparison of clinical manifestations. Twenty-nine of 49 patients, diagnosed at our hospital 15 years ago, could be contacted. Four patients died and one patient was ventilator-dependent. Sixteen patients were willing to come to our hospital to have pulmonary function and questionnaire evaluation. The FEV1 of these patients declined only 1.6±21.6mL/year over a 15-year period. Meanwhile, the severity of their dyspnea and their health-related quality of life were better than age- and FEV1-matched COPD patients as shown by the MMRC dyspnea scale (1.4±0.8 vs. 2.0±1.0; p=0.037) and symptom domain of the SGRQ (32.6±18.4 vs. 43.5±20.3; p=0.006). After an acute deterioration, patients with S androgynus-related obstructive lung disease had a stationary pulmonary function over a period of 15 years, and their clinical manifestations were less severe than age- and FEV1-matched COPD patients. A further study with a larger sample size may be needed to confirm these findings.

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).

Evaluation of the effectiveness of manual chest physiotherapy techniques on quality of life at six months post exacerbation of COPD (MATREX): a randomised controlled equivalence trial.

BackgroundManual chest physiotherapy (MCP) techniques involving chest percussion, vibration, and shaking have long been used in the treatment of respiratory conditions. However, methodological limitations in existing research have led to a state of clinical equipoise with respect to this treatment. Thus, for patients hospitalised with an exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), clinical preference tends to dictate whether MCP is given to assist with sputum clearance. We standardised the delivery of MCP and assessed its effectiveness on disease-specific quality of life.MethodsIn this randomised, controlled trial powered for equivalence, 526 patients hospitalised with acute COPD exacerbation were enrolled from four centres in the UK. Patients were allocated to receive MCP plus advice on airway clearance or advice on chest clearance alone. The primary outcome was a COPD specific quality of life measure, the Saint Georges Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) at six months post randomisation. Analyses were by intention to treat (ITT). This study was registered, ISRCTN13825248.ResultsAll patients were included in the analyses, of which 372 (71%) provided evaluable data for the primary outcome. An effect size of 0·3 standard deviations in SGRQ score was specified as the threshold for superiority. The ITT analyses showed no significant difference in SGRQ for patients who did, or did not receive MCP (95% CI −0·14 to 0·19).ConclusionsThese data do not lend support to the routine use of MCP in the management of acute exacerbation of COPD. However, this does not mean that MCP is of no therapeutic value to COPD patients in specific circumstances.

Daily Walking Intensity as a Predictor of Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study aimed to assess independent predictors of quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in particular, to evaluate the relationship between QOL and functional exercise capacity measured with an activity monitor. Functional exercise capacity was measured with an accelerometer-based walking intensity. QOL was assessed by Short Form-36 and Saint Georges Respiratory Questionnaire. Stepwise multivariate regression analyses were used to identify significant independent predictors of health-related QOL. Daily walking intensity (fast walk) was the only significant independent predictor of the Short Form-36 domains "physical function" (P = 0.002) and "role physical" (P = 0.034). Age and depression were significant independent predictors of the domain "social functioning" (P = 0.035 and P = 0.002, respectively). Age and fast walk were significant independent predictors of the domain "mental health" (P = 0.006 and P = 0.017, respectively). Percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s and fast walk were both significant independent predictors of the domains "general health" (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively) and "physical component score" (P = 0.038 and P = 0.017, respectively). In terms of the Saint Georges Respiratory Questionnaire, fast walk was a significant independent predictor of "activity score" (P = 0.001), "impact score" (P = 0.022), and "total score" (P = 0.01). QOL is an important aspect to be integrated into long-term disease management and the assessment of daily walking intensity using accelerometry can provide additional information about the patient's functional status and well-being during a certain period.

Efeito de um programa de exercícios direcionados à mobilidade torácica na DPOC

INTRODUÇÃO: A Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica produz alterações mecânicas na caixa torácica que desencadeiam disfunções físicas limitantes das atividades de vida diária e da qualidade de vida. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa de exercícios para readequação do complexo toracopulmonar na mobilidade da caixa torácica, capacidade de exercício e qualidade de vida em pacientes com DPOC. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Este estudo avaliou 13 pacientes com DPOC por meio de Espirometria, Teste da Caminhada dos Seis Minutos (TC6min), Cirtometria e Questionário de Qualidade de Vida Saint George (SGRQ). O programa foi elaborado com base em exercícios que objetivam o aumento da mobilidade de caixa torácica, tolerância ao exercício e melhora na resposta subjetiva em relação à qualidade de vida. RESULTADOS: Após 12 semanas de tratamento, verificou-se um aumento significativo na mobilidade da região inferior da caixa torácica (expansibilidade da região xifoide: de 3 ± 2 cm para 7 ± 4 cm, p = 0,01), na região abdominal (expansibilidade umbilical: de 2 ± 1 cm para 6 ± 4 cm, p = 0,01) e melhora na distância percorrida no TC6min (391 ± 117 m inicial para final de 442 ± 124 m, p = 0,04). Na avaliação pelo SGRQ, houve uma tendência sem significância estatística de melhora nos três domínios (sintomas: 37 ± 22 para 26 ± 21; atividades: 64 ± 15 para 62 ± 19; e impacto: 42 ± 16 para 38 ± 16). CONCLUSÃO O programa de exercícios respiratórios direcionados ao aumento da mobilidade da caixa torácica melhorou a expansibilidade torácica e abdominal e a capacidade de exercício.

Effectiveness of Paced Walking to Music at Home for Patients with COPD

The use of rhythmic music is beneficial in assisting with the exercise intensity at home. This paper investigated the effects of paced walking to music at home with an 80% VO2 peak for patients with COPD. A prospective randomized clinical trial consisting of a treatment group (n = 20) assigned to a 12-week period of paced walking to music at home, while the patients in the control group (n = 21) were only given educational information. The treatment response was measured based on the patient's score in the maximal exercise capacity test using the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT), lung function, health- related quality of life (HRQOL) using the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and their health care utilization during baseline, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. The treatment group increased their distance in the ISWT from 243.5 ± 135.4 at baseline to 16 weeks (306.0 ± 107.3, p < 0.001), Borg RPE-D decreased from 2.2 ± 1.3 at baseline to 0.8 ± 1.1 (p < 0.001) at 16 weeks, and Borg RPE-L decreased from 1.2 ± 1.4 at baseline to 0.3 ± 0.7 (p < 0.05) at 16 weeks, and improved all of the domains of the SGRQ, compared to the control group. The paced walking to music at home program helps patients to achieve a higher-intensity exercise. It is easily incorporated into the care of COPD patients, providing them with a convenient, safe and enjoyable exercise.

Correlations between disease-specific and generic health status questionnaires in patients with advanced COPD: a one-year observational study

BackgroundLongitudinal studies analyzing the correlations between disease-specific and generic health status questionnaires at different time points in patients with advanced COPD are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine whether and to what extent a disease-specific health status questionnaire (Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ) correlates with generic health status questionnaires (EuroQol-5-Dimensions, EQ-5D; Assessment of Quality of Life instrument, AQoL; Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, SF-36) at four different time points in patients with advanced COPD; and to determine the correlation between the changes in these questionnaires during one-year follow-up.MethodsDemographic and clinical characteristics were assessed in 105 outpatients with advanced COPD at baseline. Disease-specific health status (SGRQ) and generic health status (EQ-5D, AQoL, SF-36) were assessed at baseline, four, eight, and 12 months. Correlations were determined between SGRQ and EQ-5D, AQoL, and SF-36 scores and changes in these scores. Agreement in direction of change was assessed.ResultsEighty-four patients (80%) completed one-year follow-up and were included for analysis. SGRQ total score and EQ-5D index score, AQoL total score and SF-36 Physical Component Summary measure (SF-36 PCS) score were moderately to strongly correlated. The correlation of the changes between the SGRQ total score and EQ-5D index score, AQoL total score, SF-36 PCS, and SF-36 Mental Component Summary measure (SF-36 MCS) score were weak or absent. The direction of changes in SGRQ total scores agreed slightly with the direction of changes in EQ-5D index score, AQoL total score, and SF-36 PCS score.ConclusionsAt four, eight and 12 months after baseline, SGRQ total scores and EQ-5D index scores, AQoL total scores and SF-36 PCS scores were moderately to strongly correlated, while SGRQ total scores were weakly correlated with SF-36 MCS scores. The correlations between changes over time were weak or even absent. Disease-specific health status questionnaires and generic health status questionnaires should be used together to gain complete insight in health status and changes in health status over time in patients with advanced COPD.

Controle da asma e qualidade de vida em pacientes com asma moderada ou grave

To evaluate the association between degree of asthma control and health-related quality of life in patients with moderate or severe asthma. This was a descriptive observational study involving 59 outpatients with moderate or severe asthma under treatment at the Asthma Outpatient Clinic of the Federal University of Ceará Walter Cantídio University Hospital, in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. The patients were evaluated regarding sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as spirometric parameters. The asthma control status was assessed using the asthma control test (ACT), and quality of life was assessed using the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The mean age of the patients was 55.0 ± 12.4 years, and 76.3% were female. The ACT score showed statistically significant negative correlations with all SGRQ scores: total (r = -0.72); symptoms (r = -0.78); activity (r = -0.67); and impact (r = -0.68). Multiple regression analysis showed that the most robust predictive variables for SGRQ total score were ACT score (coefficient = -3.18; 95% CI: -4.14 to -2.23) and duration of disease (coefficient = -0.29; 95% CI: -0.54 to -0.03). The ACT score also explained the linear variation of the SGRQ domains: symptoms (coefficient = -3.41; 95% CI: -4.45 to -2.37); activity (coefficient = -3.07; 95% CI: -4.57 to -1.57); and impact (coefficient = -2.68; 95% CI: -3.71 to -1.65). The degree of asthma control appears to have a significant impact on health-related quality of life.

Initial Risk Assessment for Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with COPD

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a comorbidity associated with increased mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. It is not known which clinical markers are predictive of PH in COPD. The goal of this study was to develop a clinical tool to identify patients who should be sent for initial screening with echocardiography. Of 127 patients screened, 94 primary-care patients with COPD were enrolled. All underwent full pulmonary function testing, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), exercise oximetry, Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and transthoracic echocardiography. Eighty-six patients had measurable pulmonary artery pressures (PAP) on echocardiography. Elevated PAP was defined as a systolic PAP > 35 mmHg. Pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV(1) (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively), exercise oxyhemoglobin desaturation (P = 0.003), and 6MWD (P = 0.004) were associated with elevated PAP on univariate analysis. Diffusion capacity was lower but did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). In multivariate analysis, statistically significant independent variables were >3% decrease in exercise oxyhemoglobin saturation and decline in prebronchodilator FEV(1) (P = 0.01 and P = 0.04, respectively). A composite prediction model was developed that assigned one point for each of the following: age > 55 years, oxyhemoglobin desaturation > 3%, prebronchodilator FEV(1) < 50% predicted, and 6MWD < 1175 ft. Prevalence rates of elevated PAP were 32% for a score of 0-1 (low risk), 68% for a score of 2 (moderate risk), and 78% for a score of 3-4 (high risk). The composite score exhibited a strong trend with elevated PAP prevalence (Cochrane-Armitage trend statistic P = 0.001). A simple prediction tool using routine office-based parameters can be used to identify COPD patients at high risk for elevated PAP and initiate the first step in screening for PH with echocardiography. It is important that right heart catheterization be performed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.