Abstrakt

Aim: To show that in COPD exacerbations not only spirometry values (FVC, FEV₁, FEF₅₀, PEF) decrease but also airway resistance (Raw) increases. Patients and methods: This research includes 38 patients with COPD in exacerbation phase. All patients received spirometry and plethysmography measurements, as well as an adequate therapy. After at least one month on control examination spirometry and plethysmography were repeated and the patients had to answer a short quality of life questionnaire. Results: After therapy values were increased: FVC in 57.90%, FEV₁ in 52.63%, PEF in 73.68% and FEF₅₀ in 68.42% of patients. The mean values were also increased: FVC by 2.13%, FEV₁ by 3.30%, FEF₅₀ by 12.43%, PEF by 9.06%. Raw was decreased in 78.95% of patients; the total mean value of Raw for all patients after implemented therapy was decreased by 15.42%. This suggests that there is a middle strong to strong negative linear correlation between resistance and maximal expiratory flow. Pearson coefficient of linear correlation was increased after therapy from –0.66 to –0.82. Patients subjectively felt better in 73.68% of cases and almost all of them (96.42%) had decreased Raw. Raw was increased in all patients who felt worse after therapy. Conclusion: With expected spirometry values slightly increased (objective parameters) and a subjective enhance after implemented therapy, results show that in COPD there is a significant decrease of airway resistance (Raw). It depends on the level of obstruction. If obstruction is higher, i.e. FEV₁ is lower, resistance increases. Furthermore Raw is a variable and adequate therapy leads to its reduction. We can conclude that measuring of Raw (plethysmography) can be a good parameter for monitoring COPD.

Autoreninformation

Autoren

• T. Jalušić Glunčić

Abteilungen

• Klinikzentrum Zagreb, Universitätsklinik für Lungenerkrankungen „Jordanovac“, Zagreb, Kroatien

Adresse

Dr. med. Tajana Jalušić Glunčić
Klinikzentrum Zagreb
Universitätsklinik für Lungenerkrankungen „Jordanovac“
Jordanovac 104
10000 Zagreb, Kroatien
Email: [email protected]

Citation