Publication: Impact of Incentive Spirometry in COPD Exacerbations: A Comparative Study
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nepal, with acute exacerbations (AECOPD) leading to severe complications. This study explores the impact of incentive spirometry (IS) on clinical outcomes, arterial blood gases and hospital stay in AECOPD patients.
Methodology: This comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Kathmandu, Nepal and involved 60 AECOPD patients, split into two groups: 30 receiving standard medical treatment (control) without IS and 30 using IS. Demographic and clinical information were recorded and key outcomes— arterial blood gases (ABGs), MMRC score, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and hospital stay—were measured after stabilization and at discharge. Statistical analysis used SPSS 22, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in MMRC and oxygen saturation(p<0.001). However, the IS group also demonstrated a significant reduction in respiratory rate (26.73±2.52 to 21.07±2.11, p<0.001), unlike the control group (27.3±2.3 to 26.80±2.37, p=0.12) and had a shorter hospital stay (5.87±1.36 days vs. 8.56±1.99 days, p<0.001). The IS group also demonstrated significant improvements in ABG parameters from admission to discharge: pH (7.35±0.087 to 7.42±0.054, p<0.001), pCO2 (62.76±9.55 to 43.88±6.62, p<0.001), and pO2 (62.76±9.55 to 78.88±6.97, p<0.001), while the control group did not.
Conclusion: Incentive spirometry proved superior to medical treatment alone by significantly improving ABGs, respiratory rate and reducing hospital stay in AECOPD patients. These findings support IS as a cost-effective tool in AECOPD management, particularly in resource-limited settings like Nepal. Further research is recommended to validate these results.
Description
Bishal Paudel
Department of Internal Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author
Bishal Panthi
Department of Internal Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5788-7632
Rakshya Shrestha
Department of Internal Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author
Onika Karki
KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal
Author
Reechashree Dhungana
Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author
Alisha Yadav
Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author
Saroj GC
Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author
Arpana Neopane
Department of Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
Author
Keywords
Blood Gas Analysis, Length of Stay, Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Respiratory Therapy, Spirometry