Publication
Title
Functional respiratory imaging : heterogeneity of acute exacerbations of COPD
Author
Abstract
Background: Exacerbations of COPD are a major burden to patients, and yet little is understood about heterogeneity. It contributes to the current persistent one-size-fits-all treatment. To replace this treatment by more personalized, precision medicine, new insights are required. We assessed the heterogeneity of exacerbations by functional respiratory imaging (FRI) in 3-dimensional models of airways and lungs. Methods: The trial was designed as a multicenter trial of patients with an acute exacerbation of COPD who were assessed by FRI, pulmonary function tests, and patient-reported outcomes, both in the acute stage and during resolution. Results: Forty seven patients were assessed. FRI analyses showed significant improvements in hyperinflation (a decrease in total volume at functional residual capacity of -0.25 +/- 0.61 L, p <= 0.01), airway volume at total lung capacity (+1.70 +/- 4.65 L, p = 0.02), and airway resistance. As expected, these improvements correlated partially with changes in the quality of life and in conventional lung function test parameters. Patients with the same changes in pulmonary function differ in regional disease activity measured by FRI. Conclusion: FRI is a useful tool to get a better insight into exacerbations of COPD, and significant improvements in its indices can be demonstrated from the acute phase to resolution even in relatively small groups. It clearly visualizes the marked variability within and between individuals in ventilation and resistance during exacerbations and is a tool for the assessment of the heterogeneity of COPD exacerbations.
Language
English
Source (journal)
International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Publication
2018
ISSN
1176-9106
1178-2005
DOI
10.2147/COPD.S152463
Volume/pages
13 (2018) , p. 1783-1792
ISI
000433367300001
Pubmed ID
29881268
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 12.06.2018
Last edited 04.03.2024
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