Patient-reported consequences of community-acquired pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) carries high morbidity, mortality, and economic burden, which is even higher in adults diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While several studies have assessed the clinical burden and mortality risk of CAP and COPD, very few studies focus on CAP burden from a COPD patient perspective. Individuals recently diagnosed with CAP and with pre-existing COPD were recruited through the COPD Foundation. The CAP Burden of Illness Questionnaire (CAP-BIQ), a content validated questionnaire assessing CAP symptomatology, duration of symptoms and CAP impact on work, activities and family, was administered at baseline and at 30-days follow-up. Of the 490 participants recruited, 481 had data sufficient for analysis. The prevalence of respiratory-related symptoms was very high ( > 90%) at the time of diagnosis with other generalized symptoms such as fatigue, trouble sleeping, headaches and confusion present in more than 60% of participants. Mean duration of symptoms varied from approximately 2 weeks for headaches and fever to more than a month for fatigue, wheezing, dyspnea, and cough. Employed participants missed an average of 21 days of work and those not employed missed 36 days of usual activities. Over 84% required help from family, friends or care givers. CAP is a serious and burdensome condition for people with COPD, a condition that can impair activities for weeks, frequently requires care from family or friends, and includes lingering symptoms. The patient-reported impact of CAP reported in this study underscores the need for prevention strategies in this population.