Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Burden, Grades and Erythrocytosis at a Tertiary Hospital in Western Uganda

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide among people over 40 years of age, and erythrocytosis is one of the major complications associated with increased mortality among COPD patients. Methods and materials: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. A consecutive sampling technique was used to obtain study participants at the Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital outpatient clinic. Focused history and physical examination were carried out to select eligible participants. Participants were screened using the COPD population screener for spirometry after consenting to participate. Spirometry was carried out according to GOLD guidelines, and haemoglobin concentration was measured. Results: A total of 180 participants were enrolled in the study, of whom the majority were females. Thirty-one (68.9%) patients had a modal age of < 50 years and a median age of 60 years. The prevalence of COPD was 25% (45) [95% CI 18.9 – 32] and highest among females (68.9%) and those aged 60 years and above (70%). The combined COPD assessment tool groups had a prevalence of 55.6%, 37.8%, 4.4%, and 2.2% for groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Age <50 years was protective against COPD, while for every additional year of smoking, there was an associated 6.5% increased risk compared to the general population. Additionally, the prevalence of erythrocytosis among COPD participants was 6.7%. Conclusions and recommendations: There was a high prevalence of COPD among study participants (25%), with a 6.7% prevalence of erythrocytosis. A complete blood count should be performed for every patient with COPD at diagnosis and follow-up.