Relationships between symptoms and lung function in asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a real-life setting : the NOVEL observational longiTudinal studY

• Background:The relationships between spirometric assessment of lung function and symptoms (including exacerbations) in patients with asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a real-life setting are uncertain.Objectives:To assess the relationships between baseline post-bronchodilator (post-BD) spirometry measures of lung function and symptoms and exacerbations in patients with a physician-assigned diagnosis of asthma and/or COPD.Design:The NOVEL observational longiTudinal studY (NOVELTY) is a global, prospective, 3-year observational study.Methods:Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate relationships. Spirometry measures were assessed as percent predicted (%pred). Symptoms were assessed at baseline, and exacerbations were assessed at baseline and Year 1.Results:A total of 11,181 patients in NOVELTY had spirometry data (asthma, n = 5903; COPD, n = 3881; asthma + COPD, n = 1397). A 10% lower post-BD %pred forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) – adjusted for age and sex – were significantly associated with dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council ⩾ grade 2), frequent breathlessness [St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)], frequent wheeze attacks (SGRQ), nocturnal awakening (Respiratory Symptoms Questionnaire; ⩾1 night/week), and frequent productive cough (SGRQ). Lower post-BD %pred FEV1 and, to a lesser extent, lower post-BD %pred FVC were significantly associated with ⩾1 physician-reported exacerbation at baseline or Year 1. This association was stronger in patients with COPD than in those with asthma.Conclusion:In a real-life setting, reduced lung function is consistently associated with symptoms in patients with asthma, COPD, or asthma + COPD. The relationship with exacerbations is stronger in COPD only than in asthma.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Lungmedicin och allergi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Respiratory Medicine and Allergy (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

asthma

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

spirometry

symptoms

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)