The overall impact of COPD (CAT) and BODE index on COPD male patients: correlation?

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) will be the 5th leading cause of disability (DALYs) and the 4th leading cause of death by 2030. Measuring the real impact of COPD using CAT (“COPD Assessment Test”) can complement BODE index, an indicator of mortality. Aims: To assess correlation between CAT and BODE index in COPD patients. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a population of patients with COPD in a Respiratory Rehabilitation program. We analyzed demographic variables, variables in respiratory function – 6 min walking test (6MWT), post-BD forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV1%); dyspnea by mMRC scale; BODE Index and CAT. Results: The study included 50 patients – GOLD stage I (7), II (25), III (14) and IV (4), 48 men; mean age 62.6 years (±9.5), average BMI 25.8 kg/m2 (±4.8) and FEV1 57.1% (±19.6); 6MWT of 443.3 m (±61.6); 46% patients in classes 2 and 3 of mMRC scale; 84% were class 2 in BODE Index. About 80% reported slight to medium impact in CAT. CAT score and impact were correlated with BODE index score: R = 0.475, p < 0.01, and R = 0.377, p = 0.004, and BODE index class: R = 0.357, p = 0.011, and R = 0.326, p = 0.021. Conclusion: As pre-existent data in the literature (exacerbations and benefit of rehabilitation in COPD), the positive correlations found with BODE index reinforce the discriminative validity of CAT as a complement in the evaluation of what the true impact of COPD is on a patient's daily life. Keywords: BODE index, CAT, COPD, Respiratory rehabilitation, Quality of life