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Bhatt SP, Agusti A, Bafadhel M, Christenson SA, Bon J, Donaldson GC, Sin DD, Wedzicha JA, Martinez FJ. Phenotypes, Etiotypes, and Endotypes of Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2023; 208:1026-1041. [PMID: 37560988 PMCID: PMC10867924 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202209-1748so] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major health problem with a high prevalence, a rising incidence, and substantial morbidity and mortality. Its course is punctuated by acute episodes of increased respiratory symptoms, termed exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD). ECOPD are important events in the natural history of the disease, as they are associated with lung function decline and prolonged negative effects on quality of life. The present-day therapy for ECOPD with short courses of antibiotics and steroids and escalation of bronchodilators has resulted in only modest improvements in outcomes. Recent data indicate that ECOPD are heterogeneous, raising the need to identify distinct etioendophenotypes, incorporating traits of the acute event and of patients who experience recurrent events, to develop novel and targeted therapies. These characterizations can provide a complete clinical picture, the severity of which will dictate acute pharmacological treatment, and may also indicate whether a change in maintenance therapy is needed to reduce the risk of future exacerbations. In this review we discuss the latest knowledge of ECOPD types on the basis of clinical presentation, etiology, natural history, frequency, severity, and biomarkers in an attempt to characterize these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surya P. Bhatt
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Alvar Agusti
- Institut Respiratori (Clinic Barcelona), Càtedra Salut Respiratoria (Universitat de Barcelona), Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS-Barcelona), Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), España
| | - Mona Bafadhel
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie A. Christenson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jessica Bon
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Gavin C. Donaldson
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Don D. Sin
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation and
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; and
| | - Jadwiga A. Wedzicha
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Saleh S, Skeie S, Grundt H. Re-admission and quality of life among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after telemedicine video nursing consultation - a randomized study. Multidiscip Respir Med 2023; 18:918. [PMID: 37753200 PMCID: PMC10519187 DOI: 10.4081/mrm.2023.918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Our previous study showed a reduced cumulative length of re-admission stays due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations during one year after telemedicine video consultation (TVC). The current study evaluated the effects of TVC on the length of re-admission stays within 12 months follow up post-TVC compared to phone call follow up or COPD usual care in a randomized study. Our secondary aim was to assess the impact of TVC on the frequency of re-admissions within 12 months of follow up. Patient satisfaction, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were also evaluated. Methods The study was a prospective randomized study of COPD patients who after hospital discharge for acute COPD exacerbations, were randomized to monitoring by TVC at home compared to phone call follow up for two weeks by a specialist nurse at the hospital or usual COPD care. Prospectively, we compared the cumulative durations and frequencies of hospital re-admissions due to COPD exacerbations within 12 months follow up after TVC, phone call follow up or usual COPD care. Results Among 173 COPD patients followed for 12 months, 99 were re-admitted. The median cumulative length of readmission stays per patient within 12 months post-TVC did not differ from those followed by phone calls or with usual COPD care. The number of patients re-admitted and the number of re-admissions due to COPD exacerbations were also equal in the three groups. Patient satisfaction was high among those followed by TVC and phone calls, and the HADS and CAT scores favorably declined from baseline to post-intervention in patients followed by TVC and phone calls. Conclusions The study could not demonstrate a beneficial effect of TVC on the cumulative length of re-admission stays or on the number of re-admissions within 12 months following an acute COPD hospital stay, as compared to those followed by phone calls or with usual COPD care. Patient satisfaction was high among those followed by TVC and phone calls, and the declines in HADS and CAT scores seem to be consequences of increased empowerment and competence for good self-care in COPD patients, remaining through the one-year observation period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Svein Skeie
- Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger
- University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Heidi Grundt
- Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger
- University of Bergen, Norway
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Hofer F, Schreyögg J, Stargardt T. Effectiveness of a home telemonitoring program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Germany: Evidence from the first three years. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267952. [PMID: 35551546 PMCID: PMC9098037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 6 million people in Germany. Monitoring the vital parameters of COPD patients remotely through telemonitoring may help doctors and patients prevent and treat acute exacerbations of COPD, improving patients’ quality of life and saving costs for the statutory health insurance system. Objective To evaluate the effects from October 2012 until December 2015 of a structured home telemonitoring program implemented by a statutory health insurer in Germany. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using administrative data. After building a balanced control group using Entropy Balancing, we calculated difference-in-difference estimators to account for time-invariant heterogeneity. We estimated differences in mortality rates using Cox regression and conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to check the robustness of the base case results. We observed each patient in the program for up to 3 years depending on his or her time of enrolment. Results Among patients in the telemonitoring cohort, we observed significantly higher inpatient costs due to COPD (€524.2, p<0,05; €434.6, p<0.05) and outpatient costs (102.5, p<0.01; 78.8 p<0.05) during the first two years of the program. Additional cost categories were significantly increased during the first year of telemonitoring. We also observed a significantly higher number of drug prescriptions during all three years of the observation period (2.0500, p < 0.05; 0.7260, p < 0.05; 3.3170, p < 0.01) and a higher number of outpatient contacts during the first two years (0.945, p<0.01, 0.683, p<0.05). Furthermore, we found significantly improved survival rates for participants in the telemonitoring program (HR 0.68, p<0.001). Conclusion On one hand, telemonitoring was associated with higher health care expenditures, especially in the first year of the program. For example, we were able to identify a statistically significant increase in inpatient costs due to COPD, outpatient contacts and drug prescriptions among individuals participating in the telemonitoring program. On the other hand, the telemonitoring program was accompanied by a survival benefit, which might be related to higher adherence rates, more intense treatment, or an improved understanding of COPD among these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Hofer
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE), Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schreyögg
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE), Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tom Stargardt
- Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE), Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Holmner Å, Öhberg F, Wiklund U, Bergmann E, Blomberg A, Wadell K. How stable is lung function in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease when monitored using a telehealth system? A longitudinal and home-based study. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:87. [PMID: 32398161 PMCID: PMC7218552 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-1103-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many telehealth systems have been designed to identify signs of exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but few previous studies have reported the nature of recorded lung function data and what variations to expect in this group of individuals. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nature of individual diurnal, day-to-day and long-term variation in important prognostic markers of COPD exacerbations by employing a telehealth system developed in-house. Methods Eight women and five men with COPD performed measurements (spirometry, pulse oximetry and the COPD assessment test (CAT)) three times per week for 4–6 months using the telehealth system. Short-term and long-term individual variations were assessed using the relative density and weekly means respectively. Quality of the spirometry measurements (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and inspiratory capacity (IC)) was assessed employing the criteria of American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) guidelines. Results Close to 1100 measurements of both FEV1 and IC were performed during a total of 240 patient weeks. The two standard deviation ranges for intra-individual short-term variation were approximately ±210 mL and ± 350 mL for FEV1 and IC respectively. In long-term, spirometry values increased and decreased without notable changes in symptoms as reported by CAT, although it was unusual with a decrease of more than 50 mL per measurement of FEV1 between three consecutive measurement days. No exacerbation occurred. There was a moderate to strong positive correlation between FEV1 and IC, but weak or absent correlation with the other prognostic markers in the majority of the participants. Conclusions Although FEV1 and IC varied within a noticeable range, no corresponding change in symptoms occurred. Therefore, this study reveals important and, to our knowledge, previously not reported information about short and long-term variability in prognostic markers in stable patients with COPD. The present data are of significance when defining criteria for detecting exacerbations using telehealth strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åsa Holmner
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Öhberg
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Urban Wiklund
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Bergmann
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anders Blomberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Karin Wadell
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. .,Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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Gaga M, Powell P, Almagro M, Tsiligianni I, Loukides S, Roca J, Cullen M, Simonds AK, Ward B, Saraiva I, Troosters T, Robalo Cordeiro C. ERS Presidential Summit 2018: multimorbidities and the ageing population. ERJ Open Res 2019; 5:00126-2019. [PMID: 31579675 PMCID: PMC6759575 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00126-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As the average age of the population increases, so will the prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases and associated multimorbidity. This will result in a more complex clinical environment. Part of the solution will be to allow patients to be co-creators in the design of their care. It will also require clinicians to shift in their current approaches to care, step out of the disease- or pathology-oriented approach and embrace new ideas. In an effort to prepare the respiratory community for the challenge, we reflect on concepts to empower patients via multidisciplinary systems, new technologies and transition from end-of-life care to advanced care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Gaga
- 7th Resp. Med. Dept and Asthma Center, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Marta Almagro
- ELF Bronchiectasis Patient Advisory Committee, Sheffield, UK
| | | | | | - Josep Roca
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Brian Ward
- European Respiratory Society, Brussels, Belgium
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Al Rajeh A, Steiner MC, Aldabayan Y, Aldhahir A, Pickett E, Quaderi S, Hurst JR. Use, utility and methods of telehealth for patients with COPD in England and Wales: a healthcare provider survey. BMJ Open Respir Res 2019; 6:e000345. [PMID: 30956795 PMCID: PMC6424290 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2018-000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although the effectiveness of domiciliary monitoring (telehealth) to improve outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is controversial, it is being used in the National Health Service (NHS). Aim To explore the use of teleheath for COPD across England and Wales, to assess the perceptions of clinicians employing telehealth in COPD and to summarise the techniques that have been used by healthcare providers to personalise alarm limits for patients with COPD enrolled in telehealth programmes. Methods A cross-sectional survey consisting of 14 questions was sent to 230 COPD community services in England and Wales. Questions were designed to cover five aspects of telehealth in COPD: purpose of use, equipment type, clinician perceptions, variables monitored and personalisation of alarm limits. Results 65 participants completed the survey from 52 different NHS Trusts. 46% of Trusts had used telehealth for COPD, and currently, 31% still provided telehealth services to patients with COPD. Telehealth is most commonly used for baseline monitoring and to allow early detection of exacerbations, with 54% believing it to be effective. The three most commonly monitored variables were oxygen saturation, heart rate and breathlessness. A variety of methods were used to set alarm limits with the majority of respondents believing that at least 40% of alarms were false. Conclusion Around one-third of responded community COPD services are using telehealth, believing it to be effective without robust evidence, with a variety of variables monitored, a variety of hardware and varying techniques to set alarm limits with high false alarm frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Al Rajeh
- Respiratory Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
- Respiratory Care, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Yousef Aldabayan
- Respiratory Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
- Respiratory Care, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulelah Aldhahir
- Respiratory Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
- Respiratory Care, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Elisha Pickett
- Respiratory Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Shumonta Quaderi
- Respiratory Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - John R Hurst
- Respiratory Medicine, University College London Medical School, London, UK
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Crooks MG, Brown T, Morice AH. Is cough important in acute exacerbations of COPD? Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2018; 257:30-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Buekers J, De Boever P, Vaes AW, Aerts JM, Wouters EFM, Spruit MA, Theunis J. Oxygen saturation measurements in telemonitoring of patients with COPD: a systematic review. Expert Rev Respir Med 2017; 12:113-123. [PMID: 29241369 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2018.1417842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telemonitoring applications are expected to become a key component in future healthcare. Despite the frequent use of SpO2 measurements in telemonitoring of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), no profound overview is available about these measurements. Areas covered: A systematic search identified 71 articles that performed SpO2 measurements in COPD telemonitoring. The results indicate that long-term follow-up of COPD patients using daily SpO2 spot checks is practically feasible. Very few studies specified protocols for performing these measurements. In many studies, deviating SpO2 values were used to raise alerts that led to immediate action from healthcare professionals. However, little information was available about the exact implementation and performance of these alerts. Therefore, no firm conclusions can be drawn about the real value of SpO2 measurements. Future research could optimize performance of alerts using individualized, time-dependent thresholds or predictive algorithms to account for individual differences and SpO2 baseline changes. Additionally, the value of performing continuous measurements should be examined. Expert commentary: Standardization of the measurements, data science techniques and advancing technology can still boost performance of telemonitoring applications. All these opportunities should be thoroughly explored to assess the real value of SpO2 in COPD telemonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joren Buekers
- a Environmental Risk and Health unit , Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) , Mol , Belgium.,b Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Department of Biosystems , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Patrick De Boever
- a Environmental Risk and Health unit , Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) , Mol , Belgium.,c Centre for Environmental Sciences , Hasselt University , Hasselt , Belgium
| | - Anouk W Vaes
- a Environmental Risk and Health unit , Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) , Mol , Belgium.,d Department of Research and Education , CIRO , Horn , The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Marie Aerts
- b Measure, Model & Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Department of Biosystems , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - Emiel F M Wouters
- d Department of Research and Education , CIRO , Horn , The Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Spruit
- d Department of Research and Education , CIRO , Horn , The Netherlands.,e REVAL - Rehabilitation Research Center, BIOMED - Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences , Hasselt University , Diepenbeek , Belgium.,f Department of Respiratory Medicine , Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht , The Netherlands
| | - Jan Theunis
- a Environmental Risk and Health unit , Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) , Mol , Belgium
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Spathis D, Vlamos P. Diagnosing asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with machine learning. Health Informatics J 2017; 25:811-827. [PMID: 28820010 DOI: 10.1177/1460458217723169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the clinical decision support systems in healthcare, in particular about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases, such as Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The empirical pulmonology study of a representative sample (n = 132) attempts to identify the major factors that contribute to the diagnosis of these diseases. Machine learning results show that in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease's case, Random Forest classifier outperforms other techniques with 97.7 per cent precision, while the most prominent attributes for diagnosis are smoking, forced expiratory volume 1, age and forced vital capacity. In asthma's case, the best precision, 80.3 per cent, is achieved again with the Random Forest classifier, while the most prominent attribute is MEF2575.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Spathis
- Ionian University, Greece.,Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
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Al Rajeh AM, Hurst JR. Monitoring of Physiological Parameters to Predict Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2016; 5:jcm5120108. [PMID: 27897995 PMCID: PMC5184781 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5120108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The value of monitoring physiological parameters to predict chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations is controversial. A few studies have suggested benefit from domiciliary monitoring of vital signs, and/or lung function but there is no existing systematic review. OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of monitoring physiological parameters to predict COPD exacerbation. METHODS An electronic systematic search compliant with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted. The search was updated to April 6, 2016. Five databases were examined: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, or MEDLARS Online (Medline), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (Embase), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and the Cochrane clinical trials database. RESULTS Sixteen articles met the pre-specified inclusion criteria. Fifteen of these articules reported positive results in predicting COPD exacerbation via monitoring of physiological parameters. Nine studies showed a reduction in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂%) prior to exacerbation onset. Three studies for peak flow, and two studies for respiratory rate reported a significant variation prior to or at exacerbation onset. A particular challenge is accounting for baseline heterogeneity in parameters between patients. CONCLUSION There is currently insufficient information on how physiological parameters vary prior to exacerbation to support routine domiciliary monitoring for the prediction of exacerbations in COPD. However, the method remains promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Al Rajeh
- UCL Respiratory, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK.
| | - John R Hurst
- UCL Respiratory, Royal Free Campus, University College London, London NW3 2PF, UK.
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Ringbæk T, Green A, Laursen LC, Frausing E, Brøndum E, Ulrik CS. Effect of tele health care on exacerbations and hospital admissions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized clinical trial. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2015; 10:1801-8. [PMID: 26366072 PMCID: PMC4562759 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s85596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Tele monitoring (TM) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has gained much interest, but studies have produced conflicting results. Our aim was to investigate the effect of TM with the option of video consultations on exacerbations and hospital admissions in patients with severe COPD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with severe COPD at high risk of exacerbations were eligible for the study. Of 560 eligible patients identified, 279 (50%) declined to participate. The remaining patients were equally randomized to either TM (n=141) or usual care (n=140) for the 6-month study period. TM comprised recording of symptoms, saturation, spirometry, and weekly video consultations. Algorithms generated alerts if readings breached thresholds. Both groups received standard care. The primary outcome was number of hospital admissions for exacerbation of COPD during the study period. RESULTS Most of the enrolled patients had severe COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 second <50%pred in 86% and ≥hospital admission for COPD in the year prior to enrollment in 45%, respectively, of the patients). No difference in drop-out rate and mortality was found between the groups. With regard to the primary outcome, no significant difference was found in hospital admissions for COPD between the groups (P=0.74), and likewise, no difference was found in time to first admission or all-cause hospital admissions. Compared with the control group, TM group patients had more moderate exacerbations (ie, treated with antibiotics/corticosteroid, but not requiring hospital admission; P<0.001), whereas the control group had more visits to outpatient clinics (P<0.001). CONCLUSION Our study of patients with severe COPD showed that TM including video consultations as add-on to standard care did not reduce hospital admissions for exacerbated COPD, but TM may be an alternative to visits at respiratory outpatient clinics. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal role of TM in the management of severe COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ringbæk
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark ; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Allan Green
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lars Christian Laursen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark ; Pulmonary Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Ejvind Frausing
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Eva Brøndum
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Suppli Ulrik
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark ; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
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