Central Airway Stabilization for Tracheobronchomalacia Improves Quality of Life in Patients With COPD

摘要: Background Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is characterized by excessive collapsibility of the central airways, typically during expiration. TBM may be present in as many 50% patients evaluated for COPD. The impact airway stabilization on symptom pattern and quality life poorly understood this patient population. Methods Patients with documented COPD were identified from a cohort 238 assessed at our complex referral center. Pulmonary function testing, exercise tolerance, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) measures baseline 2 to 4 weeks following tracheal stent placement/operative tracheobronchoplasty (TBP). Severity was classified according GOLD (Global Initiative Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) staging system. Results One hundred three (48 women) moderately severe identified. Statistically clinically significant improvements seen HRQOL measures, including transitional dyspnea index (stent, P = .001; TBP, .008), St. George Respiratory Questionnaire .002; Conclusions Central provide symptomatic benefit concomitant malacia. Operative appears impart greatest advantage. Long-term follow-up study needed fully ascertain ultimate efficacy both stenting surgical group. Trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT00550602; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov