Abstract
Introduction: The mMRC dyspnea scale and the CAT quality of life questionnaire are tools used for COPD symptomatic evaluation although there is some data showing that they are not equivalent.
Objectives: Assessment of mMRC/CAT agreement in COPD classification by groups according to GOLD 2011.
Methods: Observational study including patients with stable COPD followed in an outpatient consultation.Application of mMRC and CAT and evaluation of the agreement between both using K of Cohen's and Pearson's correlation coefficient.
Results: 87 patients were included, 90,8% (n=79) were men, mean age was 65,9± 10,4 years and mean FEV1 1,5L±0,6.
The application of mMRC vs CAT allowed classification: Group A 36 (41,4%) vs 19 (21,8%) patients; Group B 17 (19,5%) vs 34 (39,1%); Group C 17 (19,5%) vs 7 (8%); Group D 17 (19,5%) vs 27 (31%); global correlation p=0,523 (moderate); degree of agreement K=0,429 (moderate).
The application of both methods resulted into a different COPD group classification in 31% of the cases (mMRC A/CAT B in 17 (63%) and mMRC C/CAT D in 10 (37%)). CAT was allways responsible for the allocation into the most symptomatic group.
The disagreement was more frequent between A/B groups, but when analysed separately the groups with mild/moderate and severe/very severe obstruction, K coefficient was similar (0,412 vs 0,418).
Conclusion: Depending on the use of mMRC or CAT there was a reclassification of COPD group in 31% of cases which could imply a therapeutic strategy modification.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
