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