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Review
. 2023 May 31;12(11):3791.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12113791.

The Complex Association between COPD and COVID-19

Nikhil T Awatade  1 , Peter A B Wark  1   2 , Andrew S L Chan  3   4 , S M Abdullah Al Mamun  5 , Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa  6 , Kazuto Matsunaga  7 , Chin Kook Rhee  8 , Philip M Hansbro  1   9 , Sukhwinder Singh Sohal  10 , On Behalf Of The Asian Pacific Society Of Respirology Apsr Copd Assembly
Affiliations
Review

The Complex Association between COPD and COVID-19

Nikhil T Awatade et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is mounting evidence suggesting that COPD patients are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes; however, it remains unclear whether they are more susceptible to acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this comprehensive review, we aim to provide an up-to-date perspective of the intricate relationship between COPD and COVID-19. We conducted a thorough review of the literature to examine the evidence regarding the susceptibility of COPD patients to COVID-19 infection and the severity of their disease outcomes. While most studies have found that pre-existing COPD is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes, some have yielded conflicting results. We also discuss confounding factors such as cigarette smoking, inhaled corticosteroids, and socioeconomic and genetic factors that may influence this association. Furthermore, we review acute COVID-19 management, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery in COPD patients and how public health measures impact their care. In conclusion, while the association between COPD and COVID-19 is complex and requires further investigation, this review highlights the need for careful management of COPD patients during the pandemic to minimize the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Keywords: ACE2; COPD; COVID-19.

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Conflict of interest statement

Dr. Sohal reports personal fees for lectures from Chiesi, travel support from Chiesi, AstraZeneca and GSK. Dr. Sohal has served on the Small Airway Advisory Board for Chiesi Australia and have received personal fee, a research grant from Boehringer Ingelheim outside the submitted work. All the other authors do not have any conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The underlying risk factors in COPD patients that are responsible for the poor outcomes during the COVID-19 crisis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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