Psychosocial Conditions Do Not Affect Short-Term Outcome of Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The prevalence of anxiety in respiratory and sleep diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is common in those with chronic physical health conditions and can have significant impacts on both quality of life and physical health outcomes. Despite this, there are limited studies comprehensively investigating the prevalence of anxiety in respiratory and sleep medicine settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide insight into the global prevalence of anxiety symptoms/disorders in respiratory and sleep medicine outpatients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Google Scholar databases were searched from database inception to January 23, 2023 for studies assessing the prevalence of anxiety in adult (≥16 years) respiratory and sleep medicine outpatients. Data was screened and extracted independently by two investigators. Anxiety was measured using various self-report questionnaires, structured interviews, and/or patient records. Using CMA software for the meta-analysis, a random-effects model was used for pooled estimates, and subgroup analysis was conducted on relevant models using a mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

116 studies were included, featuring 36,340 participants across 40 countries. The pooled prevalence of anxiety was 30.3 % (95%CI 27.9-32.9 %, 10,679/36,340). Subgroup analysis found a significant difference across type of condition, with pulmonary tuberculosis the highest at 43.1 % and COVID-19 outpatients the lowest at 23.4 %. No significant difference was found across anxiety types, country or age. Female sex and the use of self-report measures was associated with significantly higher anxiety estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety is a common experience amongst patients in respiratory and sleep medicine outpatient settings. Thus, it is crucial that anxiety identification and management is considered by physicians in the field.

REGISTRATION

The protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021282416).

Disturbances in branched-chain amino acid profile and poor daily functioning in mildly depressed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

BACKGROUND

Depression is one of the most common and untreated comorbidities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is associated with poor health outcomes (e.g. increased hospitalization/exacerbation rates). Although metabolic disturbances have been suggested in depressed non-diseased conditions, comprehensive metabolic phenotyping has never been conducted in those with COPD. We examined whether depressed COPD patients have certain clinical/functional features and exhibit a specific amino acid phenotype which may guide the development of targeted (nutritional) therapies.

METHODS

Seventy-eight outpatients with moderate to severe COPD (GOLD II-IV) were stratified based on presence of depression using a validated questionnaire. Lung function, disease history, habitual physical activity and protein intake, body composition, cognitive and physical performance, and quality of life were measured. Comprehensive metabolic flux analysis was conducted by pulse stable amino acid isotope administration. We obtained blood samples to measure postabsorptive kinetics (production and clearance rates) and plasma concentrations of amino acids by LC-MS/MS. Data are expressed as mean [95% CI]. Stats were done by graphpad Prism 9.1.0. ɑ < 0.05.

RESULTS

The COPD depressed (CD, n = 27) patients on average had mild depression, were obese (BMI: 31.7 [28.4, 34.9] kg/m2), and were characterized by shorter 6-min walk distance (P = 0.055), physical inactivity (P = 0.03), and poor quality of life (P = 0.01) compared to the non-depressed COPD (CN, n = 51) group. Lung function, disease history, body composition, cognitive performance, and daily protein intake were not different between the groups. In the CD group, plasma branched chain amino acid concentration (BCAA) was lower (P = 0.02), whereas leucine (P = 0.01) and phenylalanine (P = 0.003) clearance rates were higher. Reduced values were found for tyrosine plasma concentration (P = 0.005) even after adjustment for the large neutral amino acid concentration (= sum BCAA, tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan) as a marker of dopamine synthesis (P = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Mild depression in COPD is associated with poor daily performance and quality of life, and a set of metabolic changes in depressed COPD that include perturbation of large neutral amino acids, specifically the BCAAs. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01787682, 11 February 2013-Retrospectively registered; NCT02770092, 12 May 2016-Retrospectively registered; NCT02780219, 23 May 2016-Retrospectively registered; NCT03796455, 8 January 2019-Retrospectively registered.

Relationships Between Social/Emotional Support and Quality of Life, Depression and Disability in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Analysis Based on Propensity Score Matching

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) suffer from impaired Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Having an adequate social/emotional support may improve the quality of life of COPD patients.

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationships between social/emotional support and HRQoL, depression and disability among patients with COPD.

METHODS

We applied a propensity score model using data from a large U.S. population-based health survey to match COPD patients who reported rarely/never receiving social/emotional support with those who received that support. Social/emotional support and all dependent variables were dichotomized into yes/no responses. For HRQoL domains, number of days of poor physical or mental health and activity limitations, "yes" indicated ≥14 unhealthy days in the last 30 days. McNemar's test was used to compare the matched groups.

RESULTS

Social/emotional support was rarely/never received by 37% of responders. Standardized differences between matched groups, after propensity score matching, were less than 10% indicating successful matching. COPD patients who rarely/never receive social/emotional support were more likely to report: depression (n = 321 pairs, odds ratio (OR) = 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.56-3.14, p < .001), ≥14 poor mental HRQoL days (n = 310 pairs, OR = 3.12, 95% CI: 2.1-4.73, p < .001) and ≥14 poor physical HRQoL days (n = 307 pairs, OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.06-2.13, p = .02). There were no significant differences in general health, disability, or activity limitations.

CONCLUSION

Among COPD patients, lower levels of social/emotional support are associated with depression and deterioration of mental and physical HRQoL. The importance of social/emotional support should be emphasized by policy makers, healthcare providers, and family members, to improve functioning among COPD patients.

Self-efficacy Predicts Success in an Exercise Training-Only Model of Pulmonary Rehabilitation for People With COPD

PURPOSE

To determine whether people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have characteristics that predict a clinically meaningful response to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) that includes an education component compared with exercise training alone.

METHODS

Participants were classified as responders or nonresponders to 2 models of PR; exercise training and education (ET + ED, n = 113) or exercise training alone (ET, n = 85). Responders were defined as those who achieved a clinically meaningful change in 6-min walk distance (6MWD) or any of the 4 domains of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ). Baseline characteristics were compared between responders and nonresponders. The associations between baseline data and change in 6MWD and CRQ following PR were examined, and a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted for each model and primary outcome.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the PR models in proportion of responders (ET + ED 92% vs ET 93%). Lower baseline CRQ scores predicted response in respective CRQ domains for fatigue, emotion, and mastery in the ET + ED group, and for dyspnea, fatigue, and mastery in the ET group. Higher baseline self-efficacy predicted 6MWD response and higher socioeconomic status predicted response in CRQ fatigue in the ET model only. There was no predictor of 6MWD response in the ET + ED group.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline characteristics did not reliably predict a clinically meaningful response to PR that included education. For exercise training alone, higher self-efficacy was a significant predictor for greater improvements in 6MWD, suggesting that those with higher confidence should be considered for this model.

Exercise Training in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Are Cardiovascular Comorbidities and Outcomes Taken into Account?-A Systematic Review

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and interstitial lung diseases (ILD) frequently suffer from cardiovascular comorbidities (CVC). Exercise training is a cornerstone intervention for the management of these conditions, however recommendations on tailoring programmes to patients suffering from respiratory diseases and CVC are scarce. This systematic review aimed to identify the eligibility criteria used to select patients with COPD, asthma or ILD and CVC to exercise programmes; assess the impact of exercise on cardiovascular outcomes; and identify how exercise programmes were tailored to CVC. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched. Three reviewers extracted the data and two reviewers independently assessed the quality of studies with the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. MetaXL 5.3 was used to calculate the individual and pooled effect sizes (ES). Most studies (58.9%) excluded patients with both stable and unstable CVC. In total, 26/42 studies reported cardiovascular outcomes. Resting heart rate was the most reported outcome measure (n = 13) and a small statistically significant effect (ES = -0.23) of exercise training on resting heart rate of patients with COPD was found. No specific adjustments to exercise prescription were described. Few studies have included patients with CVC. There was a lack of tailoring of exercise programmes and limited effects were found. Future studies should explore the effect of tailored exercise programmes on relevant outcome measures in respiratory patients with CVC.

Functional status measures for the COPD patient: A practical categorization

The objective of this study is to review available functional status measures (FSMs) validated for use in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) population and categorizing the measures by their commonalities to formulate a framework that supports clinicians in the selection and application of FSMs. A literature review identifying valid and reliable measures of functional status for people with COPD was undertaken. Measures were thematically analyzed and categorized to develop a framework for clinical application. A variety of measures of activity levels exist, with 35 included in this review. Thematic categorization identified five categories of measures: daily activity, impact, surrogate, performance-based, and disability-based measures. The vast variety of FSMs available for clinicians to apply with people who have COPD may be overwhelming, and selection must be thoughtfully based on the nature of the population being studied/evaluated, and aims of evaluation being conducted, not simply as a standard measure used at the institution. Psychometric testing is a critical feature to a strong instrument and issues of reliability, validity, and responsiveness need to be understood prior to measurement use. Contextual nature of measures such as language used and activities measured is also important. A categorical framework to support clinicians in the selection and application of FSMs has been presented in this article.

Effect of Baseline Anxiety and Depression Symptoms on Selected Outcomes Following Pulmonary Rehabilitation

PURPOSE

Anxiety and depression are prevalent comorbidities in people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). This study sought to quantify the influence of varying degrees of anxiety and depression on functional performance and disease impact in a population with CRDs following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) intervention.

METHODS

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT) were assessed pre- and post-PR. Participants were categorized into 3 groups (None, Probable, and Present) based on their level of anxiety and depression. Functional performance and disease impact outcomes were compared pre- and post-PR.

RESULTS

Patients consisted of a total of 134 program completers (72 males, 62 females; mean age = 67.8 years). Significant improvements in functional performance with regard to 6MWT scores were observed across all groups postintervention (P < .05). The Present group, in both the anxiety and depression domains, failed to reach a minimally clinically important difference postintervention. The Probable and Present groups achieved a significant improvement in CAT scores postintervention (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that symptoms of anxiety and depression in people with CRDs were significantly related to lower exercise tolerance levels and higher levels of disease impact. People with increased levels of anxiety and depression have the potential to significantly improve disease impact outcomes post-PR. The results demonstrated that the detection and treatment of anxiety and depression symptoms in people with CRDs are likely to be clinically important.

Psychometric properties of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly in Chinese patients with COPD

BACKGROUND

For patients with COPD, physical activity (PA) is recommended as the core component of pulmonary rehabilitation, but there is lack of a validated questionnaire for assessing the PA effectively.

AIM

To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE-C) in patients with COPD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 167 outpatients aged 60 years or older with COPD. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were calculated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's coefficient α, respectively. Validity was evaluated by correlation with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short (IPAQ-S), data of pedometer, Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SES6), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), grip strength, and disease characteristics.

RESULTS

The PASE-C had an excellent seven-day test-retest reliability (ICC=0.98) and an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.71). The content validity was supported by an item-content validity index, a scale-content validity index/universal agreement, and a scale-content validity index/average value of 0.70-1, 0.70, and 0.93, respectively. Concurrent validity was tested by correlation with IPAQ-S (r=0.651). Criterion validity was confirmed by correlation with the walking steps (r=0.611) and energy expenditure (r=0.493). For construct validity, PASE-C had correlations with SES6 (r=0.396), HADS for depression (r=-0.234), seven subscales of SF-36 (r=0.182-0.525), grip strength (r=0.341), and disease characteristics including the duration of COPD (r=-0.215), modified British Medical Research Council scale (r=-0.354), forced expiratory volume in one second as percentage of predicted (r=0.307), and Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease grade (r=-0.264), with a good construct validity (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The PASE-C has acceptable reliability and validity for patients aged 60 years or older with COPD, and it can be used as a valid tool to measure the PA of patients with COPD in the People's Republic of China.

Pulmonary rehabilitation following exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Guidelines have provided positive recommendations for pulmonary rehabilitation after exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but recent studies indicate that postexacerbation rehabilitation may not always be effective in patients with unstable COPD.

OBJECTIVES

To assess effects of pulmonary rehabilitation after COPD exacerbations on hospital admissions (primary outcome) and other patient-important outcomes (mortality, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and exercise capacity).

SEARCH METHODS

We identified studies through searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) and the Cochrane Airways Review Group Register of Trials. Searches were current as of 20 October 2015, and handsearches were run up to 5 April 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing pulmonary rehabilitation of any duration after exacerbation of COPD versus conventional care. Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes had to include at least physical exercise (endurance or strength exercise, or both). We did not apply a criterion for the minimum number of exercise sessions a rehabilitation programme had to offer to be included in the review. Control groups received conventional community care without rehabilitation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We expected substantial heterogeneity across trials in terms of how extensive rehabilitation programmes were (i.e. in terms of number of completed exercise sessions; type, intensity and supervision of exercise training; and patient education), duration of follow-up (< 3 months vs ≥ 3 months) and risk of bias (generation of random sequence, concealment of random allocation and blinding); therefore, we performed subgroup analyses that were defined before we carried them out. We used standard methods expected by Cochrane in preparing this update, and we used GRADE for assessing the quality of evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

For this update, we added 11 studies and included a total of 20 studies (1477 participants). Rehabilitation programmes showed great diversity in terms of exercise training (number of completed exercise sessions; type, intensity and supervision), patient education (from none to extensive self-management programmes) and how they were organised (within one setting, e.g. pulmonary rehabilitation, to across several settings, e.g. hospital, outpatient centre and home). In eight studies, participants completed extensive pulmonary rehabilitation, and in 12 studies, participants completed pulmonary rehabilitation ranging from not extensive to moderately extensive.Eight studies involving 810 participants contributed data on hospital readmissions. Moderate-quality evidence indicates that pulmonary rehabilitation reduced hospital readmissions (pooled odds ratio (OR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21 to 0.91), but results were heterogenous (I² = 77%). Extensiveness of rehabilitation programmes and risk of bias may offer an explanation for the heterogeneity, but subgroup analyses were not statistically significant (P values for subgroup effects were between 0.07 and 0.11). Six studies including 670 participants contributed data on mortality. The quality of evidence was low, and the meta-analysis did not show a statistically significant effect of rehabilitation on mortality (pooled OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.67). Again, results were heterogenous (I² = 59%). Subgroup analyses showed statistically significant differences in subgroup effects between trials with more and less extensive rehabilitation programmes and between trials at low and high risk for bias, indicating possible explanations for the heterogeneity. Hospital readmissions and mortality studies newly included in this update showed, on average, significantly smaller effects of rehabilitation than were seen in earlier studies.High-quality evidence suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation after an exacerbation improves health-related quality of life. The eight studies that used St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) reported a statistically significant effect on SGRQ total score, which was above the minimal important difference (MID) of four points (mean difference (MD) -7.80, 95% CI -12.12 to -3.47; I² = 64%). Investigators also noted statistically significant and important effects (greater than MID) for the impact and activities domains of the SGRQ. Effects were not statistically significant for the SGRQ symptoms domain. Again, all of these analyses showed heterogeneity, but most studies showed positive effects of pulmonary rehabilitation, some studies showed large effects and others smaller but statistically significant effects. Trials at high risk of bias because of lack of concealment of random allocation showed statistically significantly larger effects on the SGRQ than trials at low risk of bias. High-quality evidence shows that six-minute walk distance (6MWD) improved, on average, by 62 meters (95% CI 38 to 86; I² = 87%). Heterogeneity was driven particularly by differences between studies showing very large effects and studies showing smaller but statistically significant effects. For both health-related quality of life and exercise capacity, studies newly included in this update showed, on average, smaller effects of rehabilitation than were seen in earlier studies, but the overall results of this review have not changed to an important extent compared with results reported in the earlier version of this review.Five studies involving 278 participants explicitly recorded adverse events, four studies reported no adverse events during rehabilitation programmes and one study reported one serious event.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Overall, evidence of high quality shows moderate to large effects of rehabilitation on health-related quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with COPD after an exacerbation. Some recent studies showed no benefit of rehabilitation on hospital readmissions and mortality and introduced heterogeneity as compared with the last update of this review. Such heterogeneity of effects on hospital readmissions and mortality may be explained to some extent by the extensiveness of rehabilitation programmes and by the methodological quality of the included studies. Future researchers must investigate how the extent of rehabilitation programmes in terms of exercise sessions, self-management education and other components affects the outcomes, and how the organisation of such programmes within specific healthcare systems determines their effects after COPD exacerbations on hospital readmissions and mortality.

Strategies to improve anxiety and depression in patients with COPD: a mental health perspective

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by progressive and only partially reversible symptoms. Worldwide, the incidence of COPD presents a disturbing continuous increase. Anxiety and depression are remarkably common in COPD patients, but the evidence about optimal approaches for managing psychological comorbidities in COPD remains unclear and largely speculative. Pharmacological treatment based on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors has almost replaced tricyclic antidepressants. The main psychological intervention is cognitive behavioral therapy. Of particular interest are pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in these patients. Although the literature on treating anxiety and depression in patients with COPD is limited, we believe that it points to the implementation of personalized strategies to address their psychopathological comorbidities.

Differences in change in coping styles between good responders, moderate responders and non-responders to pulmonary rehabilitation

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves exercise tolerance and health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Data on the effects of PR on coping styles are limited. Aim of the present study was to compare changes in coping styles between patients who had a good, moderate and no improvement in either exercise tolerance or health status after PR.

METHODS

Coping styles of 439 COPD patients undergoing PR were assessed by the Utrecht Coping List (UCL) at baseline and after PR. Patients' pulmonary function, six-minute walking distance (6MWD), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D) were recorded. Good, moderate and non-responders were defined on the basis of minimally clinically important difference (MCID) for SGRQ total score and/or 6MWD.

RESULTS

Overall, 54.0% of the patients fulfilled the criteria for good responders, while 22.1% were moderate responders. Change in passive reaction pattern coping style differed significantly between good responders and non-responders following PR (p < 0.001). Moreover, within the groups, changes in coping styles after PR occurred among the good responders, whereas the majority of moderate responders' and non-responders' coping styles were not significantly influenced by PR.

CONCLUSION

Good responders decreased their passive reaction pattern coping style in contrast to non-responders after PR. In general, PR did not change the coping among moderate and non-responders. Further research is warranted to determine whether including interventions targeting coping styles may modify coping behaviour of COPD patients, as well as improvement in exercise tolerance or health status after PR.

Family-based psychosocial support and education as part of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Involving family as part of the patient's rehabilitation plan of care might enhance the management of COPD. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a family-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on patients and family members' coping strategies to manage COPD.

METHODS

Family dyads (patient and family member) were randomly assigned to family-based (experimental) or conventional (control) PR. Patients from both groups underwent exercise training three times a week and psychosocial support and education once a week, during 12 weeks. Family members of the family-based PR attended the psychosocial support and education sessions together with patients. In the conventional PR, family members did not participate. Family coping and psychosocial adjustment to illness were assessed in patients and family members of both groups. Patients' exercise tolerance, functional balance, muscle strength, and health-related quality of life were also measured. All measures were collected pre/post-program.

RESULTS

Forty-two dyads participated (patients: FEV1, 70.4% ± 22.1% predicted). Patients (P = .048) and family members (P = .004) in the family-based PR had significantly greater improvements in family coping than the control group. Family members of the family-based PR had significantly greater changes in sexual relationships (P = .026) and in psychologic distress (P = .033) compared with the control group. Patients from both groups experienced significant improvements in exercise tolerance, functional balance, knee extensors strength, and health-related quality of life after intervention (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This research supports family-based PR programs to enhance coping and psychosocial adjustment to illness of the family system.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02048306; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Long-term efficacy of intensive cycle ergometer exercise training program for advanced COPD patients

Background

Exercise training has been incorporated into the international guidelines for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the long-term efficacy of the training program for patients with advanced COPD has never been evaluated in Thailand.

Purpose

To determine the long-term efficacy of intensive cycle ergometer exercise program on various clinical parameters of patients with advanced COPD.

Materials and methods

The patients with advanced COPD were separated into two groups: the intensive ergometer exercise program group and the control group. The clinical parameters of all the patients were assessed at baseline, every month for the first 3 months, and then every 3 months until they had completed the 24-month follow-up. Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare baseline mean differences between the groups. Repeated measure analysis was applied to determine the progress in all parameters during the entire follow-up period. Mean incase imputation method was applied to estimate the parameters of dropout cases.

Results

A total of 41 patients were enrolled: 27 in the intensive ergometer exercise program group and 14 in the control group. The intensive cycle ergometer exercise program group showed statistically significant improvements in muscle strength (from month 1 till the end of the study, month 24), endurance time (from month 1 till the end of measurement, month 12) and clinically significant improvements in 6-minute walk distance (from month 2 until month 9), dyspnea severity by transitional dyspnea index (from month 1 till the end of the study, month 24), and quality of life (from month 1 till the end of the study, month 24). There was no significant difference in survival rates between the groups.

Conclusion

The intensive ergometer exercise training program revealed meaningful long-term improvements in various clinical parameters for up to 2 years. These promising results should encourage health care professionals to promote exercise training for patients with advanced COPD who have limited daily activities despite optimal medication control.

Anxiety and depression-Important psychological comorbidities of COPD

Anxiety and depression are common and important comorbidities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The pathophysiology of these psychological comorbidities in COPD is complex and possibly explained by common risk factors, response to symptomatology and biochemical alterations. The presence of anxiety and/or depression in COPD patients is associated with increased mortality, exacerbation rates, length of hospital stay, and decreased quality of life and functional status. There is currently no consensus on the most appropriate approach to screening for anxiety and depression in COPD. Treatment options include psychological [relaxation, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), self-management] and pharmacological interventions. Although there is some evidence to support these treatments in COPD, the data are limited and mainly comprised by small studies. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves anxiety and depression, and conversely these conditions impact rehabilitation completion rates. Additional high quality studies are urgently required to optimise screening and effective treatment of anxiety and depression in patients with COPD, to enhance complex chronic disease management for these patients.

Development of a family-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme: an exploratory study

PURPOSE

This study explored the expectations of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and family members about a family-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme; developed and implemented a family-based PR programme and explored the impacts of the intervention on patients and family members.

METHOD

Patients with COPD and family members were interviewed. A family-based PR programme was designed. Patients' breathlessness, muscle strength, exercise tolerance, functional balance and health-related quality of life were collected pre/post-programme. Family coping and adjustment to illness were measured in patients and family members. Focus groups were conducted after the programme.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 35; 69 ± 10 years; FEV1 62 ± 15% predicted) and family members (n = 35; 57 ± 12 years) had similar expectations/needs about a PR programme. Nine dyads participated. Patients' quadriceps strength, exercise tolerance and functional balance improved significantly (all p values < 0.023). Patients and family members seem to use more positive coping behaviours (p = 0.026; p = 0.011). Patients (n = 7; 78%) and family members (n = 8; 89%) considered having more knowledge about COPD and its management. Patients felt more functional (n = 9; 100%) and reported their family members to be more active (n = 3; 38%). In family members' perspective, their relationship with the care receiver was enhanced (n = 2; 22%).

CONCLUSIONS

PR programmes, if inclusive of family members, may enhance the skills of the whole family to manage COPD. Implications for Rehabilitation Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their family members have similar expectations and needs about a family-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme. A family-based PR programme is feasible to implement within primary care. PR programmes, if inclusive of family members, may enhance the skills of the whole family to manage COPD.

Adherence to a maintenance exercise program 1 year after pulmonary rehabilitation: what are the predictors of dropout?

PURPOSE

To evaluate adherence to a maintenance exercise program in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and explore predictors for adherence.

METHODS

Seventy patients with COPD were referred to a home-care maintenance exercise program after completing pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in the rehabilitation center. Adherence (yes/no) to the maintenance program was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire, where adherence was defined as attending the maintenance program 1 year after PR. Early dropouts received a self-reported questionnaire after 6 months and the remaining patients after 12 months. Lung function, exercise capacity, exercise self-efficacy, illness perceptions, health-related quality of life, levels of anxiety and depression, duration of PR, and the number of exacerbations were studied as possible predictors of adherence.

RESULTS

Ten patients died or were lost to followup. Of the remaining 60 patients, 73.3% and 63.3% were adherent to the maintenance exercise program after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) (P = .021), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression score (P = .025), and duration of PR (P = .018) were significant predictors of adherence to the maintenance program.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to the maintenance exercise program included a 36.7% drop-out rate during the first year after completing PR. Experiencing exacerbations was the most reported reason for dropout. Poorer lung function, shorter initial PR course measured by reviewing patient records, and higher level of depressive symptoms were predictive of drop-out to the maintenance program. Adherence to the maintenance program needs to be improved for patients with lower FEV1, with signs of depression, or with a shorter initial PR course.

The association between co-morbidities and physical performance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A systematic review was conducted to examine the association between co-morbidity and physical performance in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to end-February 2013, using keywords ‘COPD’, ‘exercise’, ‘physical activity’, ‘rehabilitation’, ‘co-morbidity’ and individual co-morbid conditions. Studies reporting associations of co-morbidities in COPD with at least one objective measure of physical performance were included. Study quality was appraised using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Mean (standard deviation (SD)) STROBE score was 16 (3) (maximum score = 21). Four studies examined anxiety as a co-morbid condition; three examined depression; two examined obesity and two examined a range of conditions. Reduced physical performance was associated with higher Charlson score (odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.54–0.98), metabolic disease (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.49–0.67), anxiety (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.23–0.59) and osteoporosis (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11–0.70). Depression had minimal association with physical performance but was associated with higher dropout rates from pulmonary rehabilitation programmes. Obesity was negatively associated with baseline physical performance but not with change from an exercise intervention. The presence of co-morbid conditions in people with COPD may negatively affect physical performance and should be identified and accounted for analysis of interventions.

The influence of comorbidities on outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation programs in patients with COPD: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, osteoporosis, and anxiety and/or depression. Although pulmonary rehabilitation programs are proven to be beneficial in patients with COPD, it is unclear whether comorbidities influence pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes. The aim of the present review was to investigate to what extent the presence of comorbidities can affect pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes.

METHODS

The systematic literature search (Pubmed, EMBASE, and PEDro) resulted in 4 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of the logistic regression analyses, with comorbidities as independent variables and pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes (dyspnea, functional exercise capacity, and quality of life) as dependent variables, were used for data extraction.

RESULTS

Patients with anxiety and/or depression less likely improve in dyspnea. Osteoporosis is associated with less improvements in functional exercise capacity, while cardiovascular disease does not seem to negatively impact on this outcome. Patients with cardiovascular comorbidity will experience less positive changes in quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Evidence from literature suggests that comorbidities can have a negative influence on pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes. Screening for comorbidities in pulmonary rehabilitation settings seems useful to readdress the right patients for individually tailored pulmonary rehabilitation.

An official American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: key concepts and advances in pulmonary rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognized as a core component of the management of individuals with chronic respiratory disease. Since the 2006 American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) Statement on Pulmonary Rehabilitation, there has been considerable growth in our knowledge of its efficacy and scope.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Statement is to update the 2006 document, including a new definition of pulmonary rehabilitation and highlighting key concepts and major advances in the field.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary committee of experts representing the ATS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assembly and the ERS Scientific Group 01.02, "Rehabilitation and Chronic Care," determined the overall scope of this update through group consensus. Focused literature reviews in key topic areas were conducted by committee members with relevant clinical and scientific expertise. The final content of this Statement was agreed on by all members.

RESULTS

An updated definition of pulmonary rehabilitation is proposed. New data are presented on the science and application of pulmonary rehabilitation, including its effectiveness in acutely ill individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and in individuals with other chronic respiratory diseases. The important role of pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic disease management is highlighted. In addition, the role of health behavior change in optimizing and maintaining benefits is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The considerable growth in the science and application of pulmonary rehabilitation since 2006 adds further support for its efficacy in a wide range of individuals with chronic respiratory disease.

Patients with COPD with higher levels of anxiety are more physically active

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) has been found to be an excellent predictor of mortality beyond traditional measures in COPD. We aimed to determine the association between depression and anxiety with accelerometry-based PA in patients with COPD.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 148 stable patients with COPD enrolled in an ongoing, longitudinal, observational study. We measured PA (total daily step count) with a Stepwatch Activity Monitor over 7 days, depression and anxiety with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADSs), dyspnea with the Shortness of Breath Questionnaire, and functional capacity with the 6-min walk test.

RESULTS

Increased anxiety was associated with higher levels of PA such that for every one-point increase in the HADS-Anxiety score there was a corresponding increase of 288 step counts per day (β=288 steps, P<.001), after adjusting for all other variables. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with lower PA (β=-176 steps, P=.02) only when anxiety was in the model. The interaction term for anxiety and depression approached significance (β=26, P=.10), suggesting that higher levels of anxiety mitigate the negative effects of depression on PA.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased PA associated with anxiety in COPD is, to our knowledge, a novel finding. However, it is unclear whether anxious patients with COPD are more restless, and use increased psychomotor activity as a coping mechanism, or whether those with COPD who push themselves to be more physically active experience more anxiety symptoms. Future studies should evaluate for anxiety and PA to better inform how to improve clinical outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRY

Clinicaltrials.gov; No.: NCT01074515; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PURPOSE

Despite an increasing interest in the relationships among multiple symptoms and quality of life (QOL), little known about the association between anxiety, depression, and pain and both disease-specific and generic QOL in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of 100 COPD patients, disease-specific QOL was measured by St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and generic QOL by the QOL scale. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and pain was assessed with a numeric rating scale.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients, 31 % reported clinically meaningful anxiety, 13 % depression, and 45 % reported the presence of pain. Younger patients (p = 0.02) and those with higher anxiety scores (p = 0.02) reported worse disease-specific QOL. Patients with lower physical function (p = 0.04) and those with higher depression scores (p < 0.001) reported worse generic QOL. Age, comorbidity, physical function, anxiety, depression, and pain explained 19.2 and 49.6 % of the variance in disease-specific and generic QOL scores, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study suggest that the relationships between patient characteristics and common symptoms and QOL differ when disease-specific and generic measures of QOL are evaluated. Additional research is warranted to confirm these findings in COPD patients. Clinicians need to evaluate these common symptoms when planning and implementing symptoms management interventions to improve COPD patients' QOL.

A pulmonary rehabilitation program reduces levels of anxiety and depression in COPD patients

BACKGROUND

The presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in COPD patients has been acknowledged for many years. The preponderance of recent studies supports the utility of pulmonary rehabilitation programs to reduce the levels of depression and anxiety in these patients. The aim of this study is to investigate possible changes in levels of anxiety and depression among patients enrolled in a pulmonary rehabilitation program, along with the role of disease severity in these changes.

METHODS

In 101 COPD patients, who attended a pulmonary rehabilitation program, levels of trait anxiety (STAI) and depressive symptoms (BDI) were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the program. Age, sex, level of education in years and stage of disease severity were recorded.

RESULTS

Our study included 80 male and 21 female patients. Mean age and mean education level were 64.1 ± 8.1 and 11.3 ± 4.1 years, respectively. Regarding COPD staging, 11 patients suffered from mild, 16 from moderate, 47 from severe and 27 from very severe COPD. Significant decreases in anxiety (from 39.7 to 34.0, p < 0.001) and depression rates (from 10.7 to 6.3, p < 0.001) were observed. A statistically significant reduction in anxiety and depression was revealed (p < 0.05)at all stages of COPD.

CONCLUSION

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs should be offered to all COPD patients irrespective of disease severity, since they all lead to improvement in anxiety and depressive symptoms.

The minimal important difference of the pulmonary functional status and dyspnea questionnaire in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

The modified version of the Pulmonary Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire (PFSDQ-M) is used in patients with COPD to obtain information about their functional status. It consists of 3 components (change in activities, dyspnea and fatigue) ranging from 0 to 100 and has been shown to be responsive following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). The interpretation of changes in PFSDQ-M score after an intervention is difficult in the absence of the minimal important difference (MID) of the PFSDQ-M. This study aims at investigating the MID of the PFSDQ-M.

Methods

We enrolled 301 patients with COPD (FEV₁ 42 ± 15%pred) that completed the PFSDQ-M before and after a 3-month PR program (∆Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ) +16 ± 12 points, ∆Six-minute walking distance (6MWD) +47 ± 89 m, both p < 0.001). An anchor-based approach consisted of calculating the correlation between the ∆PFSDQ-M and anchors with an established MID (∆CRDQ and ∆6MWD). Linear regression analyses were performed to predict the MID from these anchors. Secondly several distribution-based approaches (Cohen’s effect size, empirical rule effect size and standard error of measurement method) were used.

Results

Anchor-based estimates for the different PFSDQ-M-components were between −3 and −5 points based on CRDQ score and −6 (only calculated for change in activities) based on 6MWD. Using the distribution-based methods, the estimates of MID ranged from −3 to −5 points for the different components.

Conclusions

We concluded that the estimate of MID of the PFSDQ-M after pulmonary rehabilitation corresponds to a change of 5 points (range - 3 to −6) in each component in patients with severe COPD.

Behavioral medicine approaches to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory disease and associated with considerable individual and socioeconomic burden. Recent research started examining the role of psychosocial factors for course and management of the disease.

PURPOSE

This review provides an overview on recent findings on psychosocial factors and behavioral medicine approaches in COPD.

RESULTS

Research has identified several important psychosocial factors and effective behavioral medicine interventions in COPD. However, there is considerable need for future research in this field.

CONCLUSIONS

Although beneficial effects of some behavioral medicine interventions have been demonstrated in COPD, future research efforts are necessary to study the effects of distinct components of these interventions, to thoroughly examine promising but yet not sufficiently proven interventions, and to develop new creative interventions.

Concerns about exercise are related to walk test results in pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD

Background

Although international guidelines on pulmonary rehabilitation acknowledge that psychological factors contribute to exercise intolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the few empirical studies investigating this association have found inconsistent results.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether negative affect and beliefs about exercise of patients with COPD would be related to baseline 6-min walk (6-MW) test results in a pulmonary rehabilitation setting, after correction for physical variables (sex, age, height, weight, and lung function). A second aim was to examine whether patients' beliefs are associated with treatment outcomes, as measured by an improvement in 6-MW distance.

Method

A 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation program was completed by 166 patients. Beliefs (perceived necessity and concerns) about exercise and negative affect were assessed by a questionnaire. Clinical data were obtained from medical records.

Results

Baseline 6-MW distance was positively related to younger age, male gender, better pulmonary function, and having fewer concerns about exercise. After rehabilitation, patients had increased their walk distance by 12% (32 m), on average. Baseline physiological and psychological variables were unrelated to patients' response to treatment (increase in walk distance). However, subgroup analysis showed that for patients with mild to moderate airflow obstruction, concerns about exercise were negatively related to response to treatment.

Conclusion

We conclude that patients' beliefs about the negative consequences of exercise are associated with baseline 6-MW test performance and response to treatment for patients with mild to moderate COPD. We recommend that patients' concerns about exercise are discussed and, if necessary, corrected during the intake phase.

Practical management problems of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent and increasing health problems in the elderly on a worldwide scale. The management of COPD in older patients presents practical diagnostic and treatment issues, which are reviewed with reference to the stable stage of the disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the diagnostic approach of COPD in the elderly the use of spirometry is recommended, but both patient conditions (such as inability to correctly perform it due to fatigue, lack of coordination, and cognitive impairment) and metrics characteristics should be taken into account for the test performance. It has been demonstrated in population studies that the use of the fixed ratio determines a substantial overdiagnosis of COPD in the oldest patients. Other parameters have been suggested [such as the evaluation of Lower Limit of Normality (LLN) for the FEV1/FVC ratio], which may be useful to guide the diagnosis. Several nonpharmacologic - such as smoking cessation, vaccination, physical activity, and pulmonary rehabilitation, nutrition, and eventually invasive ventilation - and pharmacologic interventions have been shown to improve outcomes and have been reviewed. Effective management of COPD in older adults should always consider the ability of patients to properly use inhalers and the involvement of caregivers or family members as a useful support to care, especially when treating cognitively impaired patients. Especially in the older population, timely identification and treatment of comorbidities are also crucial, but evidence in this area is still lacking and clinical practice guidelines do not take comorbidities into account in their recommendations.

SUMMARY

The Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease has recommended criteria for diagnosis and management of COPD in the general population. On the contrary, available evidence suggests practical limitations in diagnostic approach and intervention strategies in older patients with stable COPD that need to be further studied for a translation into clinical practice guidelines.

Pulmonary rehabilitation following exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary rehabilitation has become a cornerstone in the management of patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Systematic reviews have shown large and important clinical effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in these patients. However, in unstable COPD patients who have recently suffered an exacerbation, the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation are less established.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation after COPD exacerbations on future hospital admissions (primary outcome) and other patient-important outcomes (mortality, health-related quality of life and exercise capacity).

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were identified from searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDRO and the Cochrane Airways Group Register of Trials. Searches were current as of March 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials comparing pulmonary rehabilitation of any duration after exacerbation of COPD with conventional care. Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes needed to include at least physical exercise. Control groups received conventional community care without rehabilitation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We calculated pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences (MD) using random-effects models. We requested missing data from the authors of the primary studies.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified nine trials involving 432 patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation significantly reduced hospital admissions (pooled odds ratio 0.22 [95% CI 0.08 to 0.58], number needed to treat (NNT) 4 [95% CI 3 to 8], over 25 weeks) and mortality (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.84), NNT 6 [95% CI 5 to 30] over 107 weeks). Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on health-related quality of life were well above the minimal important difference when measured by the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (MD for dyspnea, fatigue, emotional function and mastery domains between 0.81 (fatigue; 95% CI 0.16 to 1.45) and 0.97 (dyspnea; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.58)) and the St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire total score (MD -9.88; 95% CI -14.40 to -5.37); impacts domain (MD -13.94; 95% CI -20.37 to -7.51) and for activity limitation domain (MD -9.94; 95% CI -15.98 to -3.89)). The symptoms domain of the St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire showed no significant improvement. Pulmonary rehabilitation significantly improved exercise capacity and the improvement was above the minimally important difference (six-minute walk test (MD 77.70 meters; 95% CI 12.21 to 143.20) and shuttle walk test (MD 64.35; 95% CI 41.28 to 87.43)). No adverse events were reported in three studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from nine small studies of moderate methodological quality, suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation is a highly effective and safe intervention to reduce hospital admissions and mortality and to improve health-related quality of life in COPD patients who have recently suffered an exacerbation of COPD.

Relapse of health related quality of life and psychological health in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 6 months after rehabilitation

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of 4-week inpatient rehabilitation on health-related quality of life (HRQL), anxiety and depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and investigate the influence of clinical and socio-demographical factors on unaltered or improved HRQL after discharge.

METHODS

A total of 111 consecutive cases with mild-to-very severe COPD were recruited from three rehabilitation centres and measured at baseline (t1), 4 weeks (t2) and 6-month follow-up (t3). Disease severity was assessed by spirometric tests, HRQL by The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and anxiety and depression by The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Socio-demography and co-morbidity was also reported. Changes in SGRQ and HADS scores from baseline to follow-up were analysed by paired-sample t-test, and logistic regression was used to investigate the influence of different factors on HRQL after discharge.

RESULTS

Health-related quality of life and depression improved between t1 and t2: a change of -3.6 for the SGRQ impact score (p = 0.009), -2.8 for the SGRQ total score (p = 0.012), a clinical relevant change of -4.0 for the SGRQ symptom score (p = 0.012) and a reduction of -0.7 for the HADS depression score (p = 0.011). Between t2 and t3, all SGRQ and HADS scores deteriorated with enhancement of SGRQ impact score (+3.5, p = 0.016), SGRQ total score (+2.5, p = 0.029), HADS anxiety score (+1.1, p = 0.000), HADS depression score (+0.6, p = 0.022) and HADS total score (+1.7, p = 0.000). No significant differences between t1 and t3 were found, except for HADS anxiety score (+0.9, p = 0.003). Patients living alone were 2.9 times more likely to maintain or improve HRQL 6 months after rehabilitation than patients living with someone (95% CI 1.1-7.8, p = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

Short-term benefits on HRQL and depression after rehabilitation relapsed at 6-month follow-up, but without any further deterioration from baseline. Living alone may be beneficial to maintain or improve HRQL after discharge.

Responsiveness of three instruments to assess self-reported functional status in patients with COPD

The study aimed to compare the responsiveness of three instruments to assess self-reported changes in functional status after exercise training in patients with COPD: Pulmonary Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire -modified version (PFSDQ-M), London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) and Medical Research Council scale (MRC). Twenty-two patients (11 female, 66[62-71] years, FEV1 42[33-61]%predicted) participated in a 3-month high-intensity exercise program. The three instruments were applied pre- and post-program, as well as assessment of lung function, muscle strength, exercise capacity (6-minute walking test, 6MWT) and quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ). SGRQ, 6MWT and quadriceps femoris, biceps and triceps brachialis strength improved significantly after the program (p < 0.05 for all). Training also yielded significant improvement in the LCADL total score and self-care, domestic and leisure domains and in the PFSDQ-M 'change in activities' domain, with no improvement in the MRC (p = 0.11). Calculation of effects sizes also indicated higher responsiveness in the LCADL than the other instruments. There were no significant correlations between changes in the three instruments and changes in lung function, SGRQ or 6MWT. In conclusion, PFSDQ-M's 'change in activity' domain and specially the LCADL (to a higher extent) showed responsiveness to detect changes in functional status after three months of high-intensity exercise training in patients with COPD, whereas the MRC scale did not. In this population, the improvement in functional status was not related with improvement in exercise capacity, lung function or quality of life.

Association of change in depression and anxiety symptoms with functional outcomes in pulmonary rehabilitation patients

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has emerged over the last decade as an essential component of an integrated approach to managing patients with chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We sought to examine how depression and anxiety symptom changes relate to disease-specific quality of life outcomes following PR.

METHODS

We performed a cohort study of 81 patients with COPD who completed PR at a Veterans Administration Medical Center. Pulmonary rehabilitation consisted of supervised exercise training and education twice weekly for 8 weeks. Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI) assessed symptom burden at baseline and completion of PR. We measured change in disease-specific quality of life using the dyspnea, mastery, emotion and fatigue domains of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire Self-Reported (CRQ-SR) from baseline to completion of PR.

RESULTS

Participants were 69.8±9.1 years old and all male. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 1.23±0.39 L. The CRQ-SR scores improved significantly: dyspnea (P<.0001), mastery (P=.015) and fatigue (P=.017). The BDI scores improved significantly (13.1±10.5 to 10.8±9.9, P=.003; BAI: 13.1±10.1 to 12.1±11.7). Multivariate regression models controlling for age, FEV1, depression treatment and anxiety treatment showed that improvement in depressive symptoms were associated with improvement in fatigue (P=.003), emotion (P=.003) and mastery (P=.01). Anxiety symptom change was not significantly associated with change in disease-specific quality of life domains.

CONCLUSION

Addressing anxiety symptoms in PR patients may be indicated because disease-specific quality of life improvement appears to be associated with mood.

The impact of anxiety and depression on outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression are prevalent comorbidities in COPD and are related to a worse course of disease. The present study examined the impact of anxiety and depression on functional performance, dyspnea, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with COPD at the start and end of an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program.

METHODS

Before and after PR, 238 patients with COPD (mean FEV(1) % predicted = 54, mean age = 62 years) underwent a 6-min walking test (6MWT). In addition, anxiety, depression, QoL, and dyspnea at rest, after the 6MWT, and during activities were measured.

RESULTS

Except for dyspnea at rest, improvements were observed in all outcome measures after PR. Multiple regression analyses showed that before and after PR, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with greater dyspnea after the 6MWT and during activities and with reduced QoL, even after controlling for the effects of age, sex, lung function, and smoking status. Moreover, before and after PR, anxiety was related to greater dyspnea at rest, whereas depression was significantly associated with reduced functional performance in the 6MWT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that anxiety and depression are significantly associated with increased dyspnea and reduced functional performance and QoL in patients with COPD. These negative associations remain stable over the course of PR, even when improvements in these outcomes are achieved during PR. The results underline the clinical importance of detecting and treating anxiety and depression in patients with COPD.

Pulmonary rehabilitation reduces depression and enhances health-related quality of life in COPD patients--especially in patients with mild or moderate disease

The first objective of the study was to evaluate a 4-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program on exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and psychological distress in patients with COPD. The second objective was to investigate the influence of gender, age, disease severity, co-morbidity, anxiety and depression on improved HRQL after rehabilitation. The study comprised 136 consecutive patients from baseline to follow-up with mild-to-severe COPD. Exercise capacity was measured by the 6-min walking distance test, disease severity by spirometric tests, HRQL by The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire and psychological distress by the The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Variables on socio-demography and co-morbidity were self-reported. Exercise capacity was improved from baseline to follow-up with a score difference of +44 metres (p = 000). Except for the activity score, HRQL was significantly improved: a change of -3.5 for the symptom score (p = 014), -3.1 for the total score (p = 003) and a clinical significant change of - 4.0 for the impact score (p = 002). The anxiety score did not change significantly after rehabilitation (-0.1, p = 545), though there was a significant reduction of the depression score (-0.8, p = 002) and a 10.4% reduction in the prevalence of possible depression cases (p = 017). Patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 second ≥50% predicted were 4.2 times more likely to achieve a clinical significant improved HRQL after rehabilitation than patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 second <50% predicted (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-10.3, p = 002). A 4-week inpatient rehabilitation program improves HRQL and exercise capacity and reduces depression in COPD patients. Patients with mild or moderate disease are more likely to achieve an improved HRQL after rehabilitation than patients with severe or very severe disease.

State of the art: how to set up a pulmonary rehabilitation program

Pulmonary rehabilitation plays an essential role in the management of symptomatic patients with COPD. The benefits of rehabilitation include a decrease in dyspnoea and fatigue, and improvements in exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life. Importantly, rehabilitation reduces hospitalization for acute exacerbations and is cost-effective. Although most of the evidence for pulmonary rehabilitation has been obtained in patients with COPD, symptomatic individuals with other respiratory diseases have been shown to benefit. In this review we outline a stepwise approach to establish, deliver and evaluate a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) that would be feasible in most settings. Throughout the review we have specified the minimum requirements for a PRP to facilitate the establishment of programs using limited resources. Recommendations for staffing and other resources required for a PRP are presented in the first section. Exercise training is a focus of the section on program delivery as this is the component of rehabilitation that has the strongest level of evidence for benefit. Program considerations for patients with respiratory conditions other than COPD are described. Different approaches for delivering the education component of a PRP are outlined and recommendations are made regarding topics for group and individual sessions. The problems commonly encountered in pulmonary rehabilitation, together with recommendations to avoid these problems and strategies to assist in their resolution, are discussed. The review concludes with recommendations for evaluating a PRP.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression in COPD patients entering pulmonary rehabilitation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients may suffer from symptoms of anxiety and depression. Whether and to what extent symptoms of anxiety and depression may be present in COPD patients entering pulmonary rehabilitation and which patient characteristics are associated with psychological distress remains currently unknown. The objective of the present study is to determine the prevalence and the determinants of clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression in COPD patients entering pulmonary rehabilitation. Symptoms of anxiety and depression have been assessed in 701 COPD patients entering pulmonary rehabilitation using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Additionally, disease-specific health status, pulmonary function, body composition, exercise capacity, co-existing morbidities, smoking status, symptoms, long-term oxygen therapy and the use of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs have been recorded. Patients had mean anxiety scores of 7.6 points and mean depression scores of 7.2 points. Anxiety scores >or=10 points were present in 225 patients (32%) and depression scores >or=10 points were present in 192 patients (27%). Patients at risk of having symptoms of anxiety were female or used antidepressant or anxiolytic drugs. Patients at risk of having symptoms of depression experienced dyspnea, had a body mass index (BMI) <21 kg/m(2) or used antidepressant or anxiolytic drugs. A considerable proportion of the COPD patients entering pulmonary rehabilitation report symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, which may significantly impair disease-specific health status. Patients at risk of having symptoms of anxiety and/or depression are female, experience dyspnea, have a low BMI or use antidepressant and/or anxiolytic drugs.

Drop-out and attendance in pulmonary rehabilitation: the role of clinical and psychosocial variables

BACKGROUND

In spite of the well-demonstrated benefits for patients with COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation programmes show considerable drop-out and suboptimal attendance rates. The purpose of this prospective study is to examine causes for drop-out and non-attendance during a 12 week multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation programme, and to investigate whether sociodemographic and medical factors as well as patients' perception of their illness are related to drop-out and non-attendance.

METHODS

Two hundred and seventeen patients with COPD who were referred to a rehabilitation centre participated in this multicentre study. Prior to treatment, patients received a questionnaire, which included the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised. Clinical data were drawn from medical records. Drop-out and attendance were recorded during the programme.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (23%) did not complete the rehabilitation course, of which half was due to medical reasons (e.g. exacerbations, hospitalisations). Non-completion could not be predicted by baseline sociodemographic, clinical or psychological variables. Patients who declined treatment did not differ from patients who dropped out due to medical reasons. On average, patients attended 92% of all scheduled appointments. Of all missed appointments, approximately 20% were accountable to factors beyond patients' control (e.g. absent therapists, hospitalisations). Smoking, living alone, a lower fat free mass and lower confidence in treatment increased the chance of patients not attending an appointment during rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

In general, adherence in rehabilitation is high. However, paying attention to patients' nutritional status and creating a positive expectation of treatment during referral and intake appear to be important if one aims to optimise patients' attendance during rehabilitation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation following exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary rehabilitation has become a cornerstone in the management of patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Systematic reviews have shown large and important clinical effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in these patients. In unstable COPD patients who have suffered from an exacerbation recently, however, the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation are less established.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation after COPD exacerbations on future hospital admissions (primary outcome) and other patient-important outcomes (mortality, health-related quality of life and exercise capacity).

SEARCH STRATEGY

Trials were identified from searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDRO and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Searches were current as of July 2008.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials comparing pulmonary rehabilitation of any duration after exacerbation of COPD with conventional care. Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes needed to include at least physical exercise. Control groups received conventional community care without rehabilitation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We calculated pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences (WMD) using fixed-effects models. We requested missing data from the authors of the primary studies.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified six trials including 219 patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation significantly reduced hospital admissions (pooled odds ratio 0.13 [95% CI 0.04 to 0.35], number needed to treat (NNT) 3 [95% CI 2 to 4], over 34 weeks) and mortality (pooled odds ratio 0.29 [95% CI 0.10 to 0.84], NNT 6 [95% CI 5 to 30] over 107 weeks). Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on health-related quality of life were well above the minimal important difference (weighted mean differences for dyspnea, fatigue, emotional function and mastery domains of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire between 1.15 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.36) and 1.88 (95% CI:1.67, 2.09) and between -9.9 (95% CI:-18.05, -1.73) and -17.1 (95% CI: -23.55, -10.68) for total, impact and activity limitation domains of the St. Georges Respiratory Questionnaire). In all trials, pulmonary rehabilitation improved exercise capacity (60-215 meters in six-minute or shuttle walk tests). No adverse events were reported (two studies).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from small studies of moderate methodological quality suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation is a highly effective and safe intervention to reduce hospital admissions and mortality and to improve health-related quality of life in COPD patients after suffering an exacerbation.

Predictors of functional performance in community-dwelling people with COPD

PURPOSE

To identify physiologic, well-being, and coping resource predictors of functional performance in community-dwelling people with COPD.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 119 people who received care in a private pulmonary medicine practice.

METHODS

Participants were recruited in person, completed the study instruments at home, and returned the instruments to the researcher by mail. Pulmonary function test results were obtained from medical records. Univariate, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were performed.

FINDINGS

Several bivariate correlations were robust, particularly among the well-being and coping resource variables, but none were large enough to indicate multicollinearity. Four proposed predictors (depression, severity of pulmonary disease, age, and gender) explained 46.3% of the variance in functional performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional performance was influenced by both physiologic and negative well-being factors. Because of the potential influence of depression on adherence to medical regimen, attention to both physical and mental health is necessary for maintaining optimal health and functioning in these chronically ill people.

COPD and exercise: what's really important? A nursing perspective

Numerous studies demonstrate the importance of exercise training to improve endurance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its positive effect on activities of daily living and quality of life. However, successful care of the individual with COPD also relies on recognizing that this person requires individualized care and non-pharmacologic modalities specific to their needs in order to cope with the various aspects of their disease. It is also important to note that improvement in quality of life is not necessarily related to improvement in exercise endurance alone. Comprehensive and effective pulmonary rehabilitation for the COPD patient needs to encompass several components to provide benefit for the spectrum of symptoms of COPD beyond exercise tolerance and dyspnea to ultimately improve quality of life.

Extra-pulmonary features in COPD patients entering rehabilitation after stratification for MRC dyspnea grade

Experts have stated that referral for rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) becomes appropriate when these patients become aware of their disability (e.g. usually grade 3 to 5 on the Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale). However, patients with MRC dyspnea grade 1/2 may also suffer from extra-pulmonary features, such as abnormal body composition, exercise intolerance and reduced disease-specific health status. In the present study, we have studied whether and to what extent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with MRC dyspnea grade 1/2 have extra-pulmonary features compared to patients with grade 3, 4 or 5? Pulmonary function, body composition, 6-min walking distance, peak exercise capacity, anxiety, depression and disease-specific health status have been assessed in 333 outpatients who had been referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. On average, patients with MRC dyspnea grade 1/2 had a better exercise tolerance and disease-specific health status compared to patients with grade 4 or 5. Nevertheless, grade 1/2 patients had a higher prevalence of muscle mass depletion. In addition, these patients did still have aberrant values in one or more of the aforementioned outcomes. On average, patients with MRC dyspnea grade 1/2 may clearly suffer from extra-pulmonary features, indicating the necessity to refer these patients for rehabilitation. Therefore, MRC dyspnea scale alone does not appear to be a suitable measure to identify most patients with COPD who have to be referred for rehabilitation.

Hypogonadism in male outpatients with sarcoidosis

Hypogonadism is assumed to be present in sarcoidosis. Nevertheless, a comparison of circulating sex hormone concentrations of male sarcoidosis patients with those of healthy men has never been done. Moreover, it remains unknown if hypogonadism may contribute to a reduced muscle function, exercise intolerance, diminished vitality and depressed mood in male sarcoidosis patients. Pulmonary function, muscle function, exercise tolerance, vitality, mood, circulating sex hormone concentrations and C-reactive protein were assessed in 30 male sarcoidosis patients and 26 age-matched men with a normal pulmonary function. On average, patients had a restrictive pulmonary function, worse inspiratory and quadriceps muscle function, functional exercise intolerance, diminished vitality, depressed mood and increased systemic inflammation. Moreover, patients had significantly lower circulating (free) testosterone concentrations, while circulating sex hormone-binding globulin tended to be lower (p=0.0515). Circulating gonadotrophin concentrations were comparable. Non-significant relationships were found between sex hormones, clinical outcomes and C-reactive protein in patients with sarcoidosis. A significant number of male outpatients with sarcoidosis (46.7%) had low circulating testosterone concentrations, which was most probably caused by hypogonadotrophism. The clinical relevance of hypogonadism in male outpatients with sarcoidosis, however, remains currently unknown. Indeed, poor inspiratory and quadriceps muscle function, exercise intolerance, diminished vitality and depressed mood were not related to hypogonadism in these patients.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Pulmonary rehabilitation, a multidisciplinary and structured intervention for patients with chronic pulmonary diseases, has been shown to improve exercise tolerance, reduce dyspnea and improve health-related quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation appears to be cost-effective, since it reduces health care utilization. Exercise training represents the cornerstone of every pulmonary rehabilitation program. To obtain clinically relevant effects, training should closely supervised, of high intensity, lasting 30-45 min for at least 3 days/week. Patients should undertake a minimum of 20 sessions, but longer programs result in larger and more long-lasting effects. Education and self-management programs have been shown to result in a substantial reduction in hospital admissions. Nutritional intervention should be considered for patients who are underweight or those with body composition abnormalities. Patients reporting fear and anxiety may benefit from psychosocial support, and the integration of occupational therapy in a pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve independence in activity. Multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation is preferably implemented in an outpatient hospital- or community-based setting. Inpatient programs are suited for patients with limited transportation capabilities or severe deconditioning. The most convincing effects of home-based rehabilitation are in maintaining the improvements obtained in an outpatient setting.