Abstract
Little is known whether the self-perception of exacerbation resembles exacerbations defined by the criteria accepted in the literature.
Objective: To compare self-reported exacerbations with those defined by the criteria proposed in the literature in patients with NCFB.
Method: Prospective and observational study with patients followed up in a Pulmonology outpatient clinic of a University Hospital in Brazil. Clinical, demographic and functional data were collected. Over 24 weeks, the subjects used a diary to register daily symptoms and exacerbations (defined by the need for medical help, increase or inclusion of medications)(EX-1). Exacerbations were also identified according to criteria used in the literature (EX-2), and the frequency of EX-1 and EX-2 was compared. All patients signed a consent form and the project was submitted and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution.
Results: Of the 37 individuals included, 28 returned the diary, 62% were female, mean age 51.43, BMI of 25.75; 54% of patients had elementary education, cause pos-infectious occurred in 38%; macrolides were used by 30%; mean FEV1 and FVC were 57.56 ± 20.72% and 65.97 ± 16.21%, respectively. Number of events EX-2 (n= 66 and 2.36 ± 3.29 in 6 months) were significantly higher than EX-1 (n=23 and 0.82±1.22 in 6 months), p=0,0054.
Conclusions: Exacerbations defined by consensus are identified more frequently than self-reported ones, which may indicate low perception of patients’ symptoms. Increasing patient self-perception may improve the management of exacerbations in patients with NCFB.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA2015.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021