Effects of High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation Expectoration System on Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Cortisol Function in Patients with Severe AECOPD

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of high-frequency chest wall oscillatory expectoration system (HFCWO) on pulmonary rehabilitation and cortisol function in patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methods: The 65 severe AECOPD patients admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to May 2020 were divided into group A with 33 cases and group B with 32 cases by random number table method. After 14 days of intervention, the improvement time of clinical symptoms in the two groups was recorded, and blood gas, lung function, inflammatory, and cortisol function-related indicators were evaluated before and after treatment.

Results: The remission time of expectoration, pulmonary signs, and hospital stay in group A were significantly shorter than those in group B (P < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, blood oxygen partial pressure (PaO₂), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1 s (EFV1), and EFV1/FVC increased significantly; blood carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO₂), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), white blood cell count (WBC), plasma cortisol (COR), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were significantly decreased, and the above indicators in group A increased or decreased more significantly than those in group B (P < 0.05); there was no significant difference in tolerance and adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: HFCWO has good pulmonary rehabilitation effect in the treatment of severe AECOPD and can significantly improve the blood gas indexes, inflammation, and cortisol function of patients, which is safe and feasible.