Impact of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on the Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

Introduction: The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease characterized by the presence of respiratory symptoms and persistent airflow limitation associated with a systemic inflammatory condition. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease’s clinical course is associated with the individuals’ lung function decline, a reduction of their capacity to perform activities of daily living, and with its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) which is not always taken into consideration.

Objectives: Describe the HRQL in a group of patients with COPD and establish COPD severity and relationship between HRQL and COPD severity.

Methods: This is a prospective, transversal, observational, and analytical study. The sample was drawn from patients with COPD from the Hospital Rawson and Clínica Caraffa. Data on demography, smoking, comorbidities and aspects inherent to COPD were collected. The mMRC scale and the COPD assessment Test (CAT) were used. To evaluate the HRQL the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ5D) and the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were used.

Results: 50 patients (28 women) were included in the study. Median age: 62.6 years old. 70% of the patients presented at least one comorbidity, being high blood pressure the most frequent one. SGRQ score was on average 42.9 points and the most affected dimension was “activity”. 80% of the individuals measured by the EQ5D had problems at least in one of the dimensions comprised in the questionnaire.

Conclusion: In this sample, COPD affected the HRQL. HRQL is deteriorated in COPD patients and it is significantly correlated with dyspnea (p=0.0001). The HRQL is worse in symptomatic patients and active smokers (p= 0.001 and p=0.01).