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Mortality predictors in disabling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in old age
Abebaw M Yohannes1, Robert C Baldwin, Martin Connolly
1The Manchester School of Physiotherapy, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK.
Age and Ageing
|April 9, 2002
Summary
Predictors of mortality in elderly patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) include disability, long-term oxygen therapy use, lung function, and body mass index. These factors are crucial for assessing survival in older adults with COPD.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Elderly patients with disabling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face significant mortality risks.
- Identifying predictors of mortality is crucial for effective patient management and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate predictors of mortality in elderly patients diagnosed with disabling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Main Methods:
- 137 outpatients aged 60-89 with symptomatic disabling COPD were assessed.
- Data collected included demographics, physiological measures, quality of life, and depression scores.
- Survival and mortality data were tracked for 30 months.
Main Results:
- Mortality was 32% at 30 months, with a mean age of 75 years for those deceased.
- Key predictors of mortality identified through logistic regression included disability, reduced pre-bronchodilator one second forced expiratory volume, lower body mass index, and long-term oxygen therapy use.
- Depression, quality of life, smoking history, and comorbidities did not predict mortality.
Conclusions:
- Disability, long-term oxygen therapy, pre-bronchodilator lung function, and body mass index are independent predictors of mortality in elderly patients with severe COPD.
- These findings aid in risk stratification and clinical decision-making for this patient population.