Clinical And Functional Features Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease In The Highlanders Of Kyrgzstan

摘要

A 3-year long prospective study was carried out with the aim to investigate clinical and functional features of COPD in 46 patients with severe stable COPD living at high altitude in Kyrgyzstan (At-Bashi and Aksai valleys, 2,400 to 3,600 meters above sea level). The control group included 34 patients with severe stable COPD who lived at low altitude (Chui valley, Bishkek, 760 meters above sea level). The COPD patients were randomized by sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and FEV1 values. We found a difference between the clinical characteristics and functional status of COPD in patients living at high and low altitudes. Highlanders with COPD showed a greater degree of breathlessness, significant decline of life quality and physical performance. At the same time, background values of FEV1 were similar in mountain and valley inhabitants. It is important to note that after 3 years, COPD symptoms in patients from high altitude areas became more progressive compared with patients from low altitude areas. This could be caused by a great increase of bronchial obstruction and a significant alteration of oxygen saturation (SaO2) in highlanders with COPD.