Clinical characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlapped with bronchial asthma

Publication date: May 2017
Source:Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Volume 118, Issue 5
Author(s): Jing-bo Liang, Li-jin Liu, Qiu-hong Fang
BackgroundThe clinical characteristics of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlapped with bronchial asthma (COPD-BA) have not been discussed thoroughly.ObjectiveTo reveal the clinical features of patients with COPD-BA, to evaluate the risk factors of COPD-BA, and to provide suggestions for COPD individualized therapy.MethodsA retrospective observational study was performed. A total of 182 patients with COPD (90 with COPD-BA and 92 with pure COPD) were recruited in the study. Information on the following items was collected: demographics, clinical manifestations, complications, laboratory findings, other histories, and inpatient treatments during exacerbation.ResultsA total of 182 patients were diagnosed with COPD, with 90 (49.45%) being classified as having COPD-BA. Patients with COPD-BA were more likely to be female (P = .004) and experienced more severe respiratory exacerbations (P = .04) despite being younger (P = .008). Those patients at onset of recurrent cough and sputum production were younger (P = .001). Significantly, a positive asthmatic family history (P = .03) was observed. Patients with COPD-BA usually had higher level of total serum IgE (although no differences were observed), had higher positive rates of the serum specific IgE (P = .004), and were more like to have an allergic history (P = .003). Allergic factor was the risk factor of COPD-BA (odds ratio, 4.477). During hospitalization, patients with COPD-BA tended to be treated with systemic corticosteroids (P = .008).ConclusionPatients with COPD-BA were characterized by persistent airflow limitation with unique clinical features. Allergic factor was associated with the presence of asthmatic characteristics in patients with COPD. When hospitalized for exacerbation, the individualized therapy for COPD-BA might include the use of corticosteroids systemically.



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