RESUMO
COPD is a growing global threat considering its increasing prevalence, morbidity and mortality. The only modality of treatment that has been proven to alter the late course of this disease is the long term oxygen therapy (LTOT). Considering that an increasing number of COPD patients are getting a prescription of LTOT, this study was done to recognize the common barriers that prevent its adequate compliance.METHODSA pre-set questionnaire was administered to patients and their caregivers regarding LTOT prescription, compliance to LTOT and reasons for their poor compliance to LTOT.RESULTS58 COPD patients included in the study completed the questionnaire. Only 12 (21.4%) patients used the recommended oxygen for more than 15 hours per day to give them the therapeutic benefit. 21 (37.5%) patients received recommended advice for the duration of using supplemental oxygen each day from their treating physicians. None of the patients received education about the correct use of using oxygen therapy at home.CONCLUSIONSOxygen usage among patients who have been prescribed home oxygen therapy is far from optimal, and both patient and physician related factors are responsible for it. Thus, the knowledge of major factors responsible for poor compliance of LTOT stresses upon the need for proper education of the treating physician and proper advice and counselling for this treatment modality at the time of prescription, for the patient.
RESUMO
Background. Normative values of pulmonary functions of healthy population are affected by different geographic, ethnic, climatic and demographic factors. Objective. Present study was designed to derive normative spirometric values, prediction equations for future reference in adult Kashmiri population. Methods. Pulmonary function testing was carried out on 3080 normal healthy non-smoking individuals (1974 males; age 18-65 years) of Kashmir valley. Multiple regression analysis was used to develop prediction equations for use in this population. Results. Forced vital capacity (FVC, L/s) (4.3±0.8 versus 3.0±0.5; p<0.05), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1, L/s) (3.9±0.7 versus 2.6±0.5; p<0.05) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR, L/s) (7.9±1.8 versus 5.3±1.2; p<0.05) were significantly higher in males in comparison with females. All the other parameters except FEV1/PEFR ratio were significantly higher among males (p<0.05). Irrespective of gender, all the parameters declined with increasing age. Females had higher FEV1/PEFR ratio (p<0.05) in age group of 15-30 years. Overall the inter-group difference across the districts studied was not significant. Spirometric parameters manifested an overall negative correlation with increasing body mass index (BMI), although FVC and FEV1 in males with low BMI were high (p<0.05). Conclusion. These prediction equations can be utilised as reference values for future use in adult Kashmiri population.