Respiratory Oscillometry and Functional Performance in Different COPD Phenotypes

Abstract

Purpose

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) phenotypes may introduce different characteristics that need to be known to improve treatment. Respiratory oscillometry provides a detailed analysis and may offer insight into the pathophysiology of COPD. In this paper, we used this method to evaluate the differences in respiratory mechanics of COPD phenotypes.

Patients and Methods

This study investigated a sample of 83 volunteers, being divided into control group (CG = 20), emphysema (n = 23), CB (n = 20) and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS, n = 20). These analyses were performed before and after bronchodilator (BD) use. Functional capacity was evaluated using the Glittre‑ADL test, handgrip strength and respiratory pressures.

Results

Initially it was observed that oscillometry provided a detailed description of the COPD phenotypes, which was consistent with the involved pathophysiology. A correlation between oscillometry and functional capacity was observed (r=−0.541; p = 0.0001), particularly in the emphysema phenotype (r = −0.496, p = 0.031). BD response was different among the studied phenotypes. This resulted in an accurate discrimination of ACOS from CB [area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) = 0.84] and emphysema (AUC = 0.82).

Conclusion

These results offer evidence that oscillatory indices may enhance the comprehension and identification of COPD phenotypes, thereby potentially improving the support provided to these patients.

Keywords:

• asthma-COPD overlap
• emphysema
• chronic bronchitis
• respiratory impedance
• handgrip analysis
• Glittre-ADL test
• forced oscillation technique
• bronchodilator response

Acknowledgments

The research presented in this study received support from the Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Rio de Janeiro State Research Supporting Foundation (FAPERJ), and was partially funded by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-Brasil (CAPES) under Finance Code 001.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.