Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behaviour and health status of patients with COPD: results from the German COPD cohort COSYCONET

Abstract

BackgroundInfection control measures for COVID-19 might have affected management and clinical state of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We analysed to which extent this common notion is fact-based.MethodsPatients of the COSYCONET cohort were contacted with three recurring surveys (COVID1, 2, 3 at 0, 3 and 6 months). The questionnaires comprised behaviour, clinical and functional state and medical treatment. The responses to the questionnaires were compared amongst themselves and with pre-COVID information from the last visit of COSYCONET.ResultsOverall, 594 patients were contacted and 375 patients (58% males, FEV1 61±22%predicted) provided valid data in COVID1 and COVID2. Five patients reported infections with SARS-CoV-2. Most patients – except for patients with higher education – reported compliance with recommended protective measures, whereby compliance to hygiene, contact and access to physicians slightly improved between COVID1 and COVID2. Also, patients obtained more information from physicians than from public media. In the majority of cases, the personal physician could not be substituted by remote consultation. Over time, symptoms slightly increased and self-assessed physical capacity decreased. Results of COVID3 were similar. Women and patients with more exacerbations and dyspnoea avoided medical consultations, whereas GOLD D patients were more amenable to tele-consultation.ConclusionIn well-characterised COPD patients, we observed on average slight deteriorations of clinical state during the period of COVID-19 restrictions, with high and partially increasing adherence to protective measures. The data suggest that in particular women and GOLD D patients should be actively contacted by physicians to identify deteriorations.

Prevalence and Impact of COVID-19 among Severe COPD Patients post Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction Treatment with Endobronchial Valves

“…Additionally, the vast majority of patients indicated that they adhered to one or more of the preventive measures. In a significant number of our patients, the physiotherapy training had been discontinued, which in the context of social distancing is understandable [ 7 ]. However, since exercise training is associated with increased physical activity and deconditioning may lead to increased dyspnoea, we believe this is a concerning development for patients with severe COPD [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Characteristics and Outcomes of ICU Patients Without COVID-19 Infection—Pandemic Versus Nonpandemic Times: A Population-Based Cohort Study

“…It has also been demonstrated that immigrants and patients from low socioeconomic areas faced reduced healthcare access during the pandemic (16)(17)(18). The pandemic has also negatively affected care for patients with chronic conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions, leading to increase chronic disease burden and reduced access to primary care and other services (e.g., dialysis) (19,20). It is unknown whether the pandemic has led to worse ICU outcomes for these specific patient populations.…”

Was haben wir aus der deutschen COPD-Kohorte COSYCONET gelernt und wie geht es weiter?

“…Entsprechend stellte sich die Frage, ob die mit COVID-19 einhergehenden Restriktionen zu einer Verschlechterung des klinischen Zustandes der Patienten geführt haben. Dies war, wenn auch in geringem Maße, der Fall, wobei Patienten der höchsten GOLD-Gruppe (D) und Frauen am stärksten betroffen zu sein schienen 66 .…”