Effects of gender on physical, physiological, and clinical characteristics in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: Differences can be observed between genders in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) arising from clinical, perceptual, and structural factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of gender on physical and physiological characteristics in acute exacerbation of COPD. Material and Methods: Seventy-one patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (44 males, 27 females) participated in this study. Physical and demographical characteristics, vital signs, admission findings, comorbidities, arterial blood gas values, and chest radiography findings were recorded. Level of consciousness was determined using the Glasgow coma scale. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, acute physiology score, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and Ottawa COPD Risk Scale score were calculated. Functional level was determined using the Functional Status Scale. Exercise capacity was analyzed. Treatments conducted for the subjects (medical treatment, respiratory support, and physiotherapy) were recorded. Results: Male and female subjects with acute exacerbation of COPD were similar in terms of age, signs and symptoms, chest radiography findings, exercise capacity, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and Ottawa COPD Risk Scale score (p>0.05). Females’ body mass index, APACHE II score, acute physiology score were significantly higher than those of males (p<0.05). The smoking history was significantly higher and functional capacity was lower in male subjects than in females (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in medical treatment, respiratory support, physiotherapy applications, and length of hospital stay between males and females (p>0.05) Conclusion: Male and female patients with acute exacerbation of COPD had physical, physiological, and clinical differences. Smoking history was low, and their participation in daily life activities was less impaired. Physiotherapy applications and other treatments performed were similar between females and males, despite a higher disease severity in females.