Prevalence of Comorbidities and Their Association with Disease Severity in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

   Background: Comorbidities are highly prevalent and significantly impact disease progression, hospitalization rates, and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.
   Methods: This cross-sectional study included 209 COPD outpatients aged 40 years or older, treated at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital’s Respiratory Clinic from February to August 2023. COPD severity is assessed using: (1) symptoms (mMRC, CAT score); (2) exacerbation frequency; and (3) GOLD classification. Comorbidities were determined based on  (1) medical records and (2) the answers to the question: “What diseases or health issues have you been diagnosed with by a physician?”.
   Results: Results revealed a mean of 2.12 comorbidities (SD: 1.33) per patient. The number of comorbidities increased linearly with the CAT score, and patients with ≥2 comorbidities were 2.26 times more likely to exhibit dyspnea (mMRC ≥2) compared to those with <2 comorbidities. Four factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, GERD, and history of pulmonary tuberculosis related to more symptoms presentation according to mMRC and/or CAT scores. Additionally, diabetes and GERD significantly associated with the “frequent exacerbators” condition (ORs: 2.55 and 3.13, respectively).
   Conclusions: Comorbidities may contribute to the adverse influence on COPD severity. Recognizing these relationships enables clinicians to adopt a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to COPD management.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.7