BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important public health issue in many countries which is estimated to become the fifth cause of disability and the third cause of mortality in the world within 2020.The objective of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics in the real clinical practice of a sample of patients with COPD followed in a pulmonology clinic.MethodsThe initial sample contained 207 subjects with respiratory claims that searched for specialized treatment and initiated regular monitoring between 2004 and 2009 in a private clinic localized in Cascavel, in the state of Parana, Brazil. Demographic data (weight, height, body mass index - BMI), history of comorbidities, use of respiratory and non respiratory drugs were also registered.ResultsThe main cause related to the development of COPD was current or prior smoking (92.0%); the most frequently reported symptom was dyspnea (95.0%), followed by cough (86.1%), wheezing (69.4%) and sputum production (40.0%). During the follow up, 51 patients developed the need for oxygen therapy (28.3%). In 96 patients, there were periods of acute exacerbation, resulting in 37 hospitalizations. In addition to COPD, a significant number of comorbidities were identified, being cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders the most prevalent ones.ConclusionsBased on the data collected, we could outline the profile of patients with COPD, showing characteristics of an elderly population, with multiple comorbidities, suggesting a health related quality of life lower than expected.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important public health issue in many countries which is estimated to become the fifth cause of disability and the third cause of mortality in the world within 2020. The objective of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics in the real clinical practice of a sample of patients with COPD followed in a pulmonology clinic. Methods: The initial sample contained 207 subjects with respiratory claims that searched for specialized treatment and initiated regular monitoring between 2004 and 2009 in a private clinic localized in Cascavel, in the state of Parana, Brazil. Demographic data (weight, height, body mass index - BMI), history of comorbidities, use of respiratory and non respiratory drugs were also registered. Results: The main cause related to the development of COPD was current or prior smoking (92.0%); the most frequently reported symptom was dyspnea (95.0%), followed by cough (86.1%), wheezing (69.4%) and sputum production (40.0%). During the follow up, 51 patients developed the need for oxygen therapy (28.3%). In 96 patients, there were periods of acute exacerbation, resulting in 37 hospitalizations. In addition to COPD, a significant number of comorbidities were identified, being cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders the most prevalent ones. Conclusions: Based on the data collected, we could outline the profile of patients with COPD, showing characteristics of an elderly population, with multiple comorbidities, suggesting a health related quality of life lower than expected.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) cause an inflammatory response and hypoxia. Patients who have both conditions have increased morbidity and mortality. Overlap syndrome between OSA and COPD is important but under-recognised. Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of overlap syndrome in patients with COPD through the overnight standard polysomnography. Methods/Design: A consecutive single-center cross-sectional study will be performed. The design, conduct and report of this study followed the guidelines of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The sample will be of convenience, recruited consecutively with respiratory complaints that seek care in a private clinic specializing in pulmonology in the city of Cascavel, in the state of Paraná, from September 2016 to July 2017. All subjects will be submitted to the same evaluation protocol described subsequently. Initially will be collected data on baseline demographic, anthropometric and clinical aspects, including body mass index, neck, hip and waist circumferences, respiratory and cardiac rates, peripheral blood pressure, and BODE index. After this phase of the study, patients will perform lung function tests through petismography, sleep studies using the standard overnight PSG, and respond to the Berlin and Pittsburgh questionnaires, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.