Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Predictors of quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with different frequency of exacerbations

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Niall Keaney, Dr Graham Burns, Dr Malcolm Farrow

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

Objective: The health related quality of life (HRQL) is influenced by exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and physiological factors can alter heath status. The aims of this study were to evaluate the consequences of exacerbation on HRQL and to examine the predictive factors associated with HRQL. Methodology: One hundred and eighty eight patients were recruited from respiratory clinics of two hospitals. We used St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) to assess health status. Hand dynamometer was used to measure muscle strength and vitalograph spirometer to measure lung function. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated. Dyspnoea status was measured with baseline dyspnoea index (BDI) and Medical Research Council (MRC) grades. Results: The SGRQ total and component scores were significantly worse in the group that had frequent exacerbation. Age and hand grip strength were the most significant predictors of HRQL scores in stable and unstable group. BDI is significant only for stable and MRC for unstable patients. Conclusion: The present study illustrates that COPD patients with high exacerbations have lower health status than stable COPD patients.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Ansari K, Shamssain M, Keaney NP, Burns G, Farrow M

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences

Year: 2007

Volume: 23

Issue: 4

Pages: 490-496

Print publication date: 01/07/2007

ISSN (print): 1682-024X

ISSN (electronic): 1681-715X

Publisher: Professional Medical Publications


Share