Ανάπτυξη υπολογιστικών βιοδεικτών της δύσπνοιας ασθενών με χρόνια αποφρακτική πνευμονοπάθεια (ΧΑΠ)
Date Issued
April 10, 2024
Type
Διδακτορική Διατριβή
Abstract
Dyspnoea is one of the main symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its development, its complexity and its association with pathological changes have not yet been fully established. The aim of the present study was to detect a possible relationship between the concentration and size of particles in exhaled breath condensate and dyspnea in COPD. The study included 34 subjects of which 17 were diagnosed with COPD. The collection and analysis of exhaled breath condensate were performed with RTube and Accusizer device, respectively. Dyspnea and general health status were assessed by questionnaires (SGRQ, CAT, mMRC, Borg scale) and tests (6MWT). Analysis of the results showed no significant change in the health status of subjects with COPD. Regarding condensate particles, although relatively similar, a lower concentration was observed in the case of the COPD group compared to the healthy group. Changes in concentration and particle size were detected both between the COPD group and the healthy group and between the two consecutive measurements in the COPD group. Differences were also observed between the particle sizes between the two groups. No correlation was found between the size and concentration of exhaled air condensate particles and the breathlessness assessment tools except for one specific tool and only in the healthy group of participants. The COVID pandemic was a major limiting factor in conducting this study.Further study is deemed necessary.
Subjects