2008 A retrospective analysis of pulmonary rehabilitation on old elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases compared to younger patients
Dr Wong Fung Ping
Department of Medicine, Kwong Wah Hospital
Study Objectives
To evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on pulmonary function, exercise capacity, nutrition and health related quality of life (HRQOL) measures in old-elderly patients (those 75 years old or above) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to younger subjects.
Methodology
One hundred and eight patients with COPD who completed pulmonary rehabilitation program in a local rehabilitation unit from 1st January 2005 to 31st December 2006 were included in the analysis. Outcome measures were assessed up to 6 months after rehabilitation.
Results
On completion of pulmonary rehabilitation program, there were significant improvements in 6-minute walk distance in both groups of patients: 55.4m for the old-elderly group and 50.3 m for the younger group. The improvement was maintained up to six months after rehabilitation. Serum albumin increased in both groups but body mass index increased significantly only in the old-elderly group. Improvements in HRQOL as measured by the Physical Component Scores and the Mental Component Scores of Short Form-36 questionnaire were similar for both groups. Proportion of responders as measured by St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (those with 4 units or more reduction in score) was comparable in both groups: 54.2% in younger patients and 45.2% in the old-elderly group.
Conclusion
Exercise capacity, nutritional status and HRQOL measures showed significant improvement up to six months after pulmonary rehabilitation in old-elderly patients similar to their younger counterparts. It is recommended that old-elderly patients be offered pulmonary rehabilitation to optimize their health status.