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Impact of COVID-19 and lockdown on outcomes of COPD patients in Turkey: lessons for the future

  • 0Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey. drdemetyulug@gmail.com.
Bmc Pulmonary Medicine +

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August 30, 2025

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August 30, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced hospital admissions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but worsened patient symptoms. Disease severity and airflow limitation were key factors in adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for consistent care access.

Area Of Science

  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like COPD.
  • Public health restrictions altered access to care and disease management for COPD patients.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the pandemic's effect on COPD symptoms and hospital admissions.
  • To compare pandemic-era outcomes with pre-pandemic data for COPD patients.

Main Methods

  • A multicenter cross-sectional study involving 347 COPD patients in Turkey.
  • Data collected via questionnaires and medical records, comparing pandemic period (July 2021-Feb 2022) with pre-pandemic year (March 2019-March 2020).
  • Multivariable regression analyzed predictors of hospital admission and COVID-19 hospitalization.

Main Results

  • COPD hospital admissions decreased significantly during the pandemic (p < 0.001).
  • Patient-reported respiratory symptoms increased, with lowest admissions during intense restriction periods.
  • Lower FEV₁, advanced GOLD stage, ICS use, and smoking predicted increased hospital admissions and COVID-19 hospitalization.

Conclusions

  • COPD hospitalizations declined during the pandemic, but respiratory symptoms worsened.
  • Disease severity and airflow limitation were critical determinants of adverse outcomes.
  • Maintaining routine care access and personalized management are vital during health emergencies.

Keywords:

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