Abstract
Background: Prevalence, origin, and predisposing factors for the development of TP in patients with cILD are largely unknown. Although nothing is known about the relationship of TP and lung function impairment, underestimation and insufficient therapy of TP can lead to reduced breathing excursion and worsen ventilatory restriction. QST is an established tool used to characterize chronic pain.
Aims: To investigate frequency and intensity of TP in cILD patients and to which extent TP affects lung function and quality of life (QoL) in patients with cILD.
Methods: We prospectively investigated patients with cILD. We analyzed risk factors for TP and intended to quantify TP through QST. Moreover, we analyzed the relationship between pain sensitivity and lung function impairment.
Results: We studied 78 patients and 36 healthy controls (HCs). TP occurred in 38 of 78 patients (49%) overall, and most frequently in 13 of 18 (72%) who had sarcoidosis. Occurrence of TP was mostly spontaneous and not related to thoracic surgical interventions (76%). Patients with TP showed a significant impairment of mental well-being. A higher sensitivity to pinprick stimulation during QST was observed in patients with TP. Steroid treatment was associated with lower sensitivity towards thermal and pressure pain testing. A significant correlation between total lung capacity and thermal as well as pressure pain sensitivity was seen.
Conclusion: TP seems to be an underestimated symptom in patients with cILD, especially those with sarcoidosis. Identifying TP at early stage may allow starting palliation of symptoms earlier, preventing a negative impact on lung function and QoL.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA2343.
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