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. 2013 Aug 23:13:54.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2466-13-54.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exacerbations: patient insights from the global Hidden Depths of COPD survey

Neil Barnes  1 , Peter M A Calverley, Alan Kaplan, Klaus F Rabe
Affiliations

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exacerbations: patient insights from the global Hidden Depths of COPD survey

Neil Barnes et al. BMC Pulm Med. .

Abstract

Background: Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health burden there is a lack of patient awareness of disease severity, particularly in relation to exacerbations.

Methods: We conducted a global patient survey using an innovative, internet-based methodology to gain insight into patient perceptions of COPD and exacerbations in a real-world sample typical of today's working-age COPD population.

Results: Two thousand patients with COPD (53%), chronic bronchitis (52%) and/or emphysema (22%) from 14 countries completed an online questionnaire developed by the authors. The Medical Research Council (MRC) breathlessness scale was used to delineate symptom severity. Over three quarters of patients (77%) had experienced an exacerbation, with 27% of MRC 1 and 2 patients and 52% of MRC 3, 4 and 5 patients requiring hospitalization as a result of an exacerbation. While a majority of MRC 1 and 2 patients (51%) reported being back to normal within a few days of an exacerbation, 23% of MRC 3, 4 and 5 patients took several weeks to return to normal and 6% never fully recovered. A high proportion of patients (39%) took a 'wait and see' approach to exacerbations.Despite the high prevalence of exacerbations and their negative impact on quality of life, 73% of MRC 1 and 2 patients and 64% of MRC 3, 4 and 5 patients felt that they had control of their COPD. However, 77% of all patients were worried about their long-term health, and 38% of MRC 1 and 2 patients and 59% of MRC 3, 4 and 5 patients feared premature death due to COPD.

Conclusions: To reduce the adverse effects of COPD on patients' quality of life and address their fears for the future, we need better patient education and improved prevention and treatment of exacerbations.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of patient selection.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Healthcare utilization in the preceding 12 months.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Comorbidities.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Frequency of exacerbations in the preceding 12 months.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Response to an exacerbation.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Treatment-seeking triggers during an exacerbation.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Impact of COPD and exacerbations.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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