COPD
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Review Meta Analysis
The epidemiology and burden of COPD in Latin America and the Caribbean: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Abstract Background: In the developing world, COPD continues to be an under studied, diagnosed and treated disorder. In the present study, we analyzed the prevalence, mortality and resource utilization of COPD in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in order to guide future research and public policies. ⋯ COPD burden in LAC is high, especially for men and older persons; however few persons had severe disease. COPD patients often received inappropriate treatment and had high exacerbation and hospitalization rates leading to high economic costs.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
COPD exacerbation frequency, pharmacotherapy and resource use: an observational study in UK primary care.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management represents a significant health resource use burden. Understanding of current resource use, treatment strategies and outcomes can improve future COPD management, for patient benefit and to aid efficient service delivery. This study aimed to describe exacerbation frequency, pharmacotherapy and health resource use in COPD management in routine UK primary care. ⋯ Inhaled therapy was frequently inappropriate, with over-use of ICS in patients with mild-moderate COPD. COPD exacerbations were associated with high health resource use and occurred at all levels of disease severity. COPD management strategies should encompass risk-stratification for both exacerbation frequency and physiological impairment.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but longitudinal studies of the economic consequences of COPD are scarce. This study evaluated the economic consequences of COPD patients in Denmark and their spouses at a national level before and after initial diagnosis. ⋯ This study provides unique data on the economic consequences of COPD patients in Denmark and their spouses as well as displaying the serious health consequences for the individual spouse and society. Second, data shows substantial impact of COPD on income level and health expenses regardless of age and gender. It could be speculated that early identification and intervention might contribute to more health and economic equality between patients and controls.
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Physical activity (PA) is significantly reduced in persons with COPD. Assessing reasons why persons with COPD do not engage in PA can guide development of effective interventions to promote PA. ⋯ Presence of COPD-related reasons and lower motivation and confidence are associated with lower daily step count. Management of dyspnea and education about medication use during exercise, and strategies to increase motivation and confidence could facilitate walking in COPD.