[Association of chronic obstructive bronchitis and upper digestive pathology. A clinical study]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pulmonology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly associated with upper gastrointestinal diseases.
• Prevalence of peptic ulcer and inflammatory upper digestive tract conditions in COPD patients is significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between COPD and esophageal-gastric and duodenal diseases.
• To identify factors associated with endoscopic lesions in COPD patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patients with COPD undergoing upper digestive tract endoscopy.
• Correlation of endoscopic findings with patient history, including smoking, alcohol use, dyspepsia, and medication (corticosteroids, theophylline, beta 2-adrenoceptor-agonists).
• Comparison of spirometric parameters and blood gas analysis between patients with and without endoscopic lesions.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of peptic ulcer (21.8%) and inflammatory upper digestive disease (50.9%) was observed in COPD patients.
• Association of endoscopic lesions was independent of smoking and alcohol abuse.
• Dyspepsia (75.6% vs 42.8%, p<0.01) and corticosteroid therapy (43.9% vs 0%, p<0.001) were significantly associated with endoscopic lesions.
• Theophylline and beta 2-adrenoceptor-agonist therapies showed no association with digestive disease.
• No significant differences in spirometry or blood gas analysis were found between groups.

Conclusions:

• The association between COPD and upper digestive diseases is common and not solely explained by smoking or alcohol.
• Dyspepsia and corticosteroid use are key indicators for upper digestive lesions in COPD patients.
• Endoscopy is recommended for COPD patients presenting with dyspepsia and/or on corticosteroid therapy.