Health Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease due to Chemical Warfare

Objectives: It is well known that ingalation of chemical warfares specifically sulphur mustard, causes injuries to the respiratory system. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common disease among these patients; health related quality of life is a common feature of studies in chronic obstructive disease. The aim of our study was to assess quality of life in these patients. Methods: A total of 43 male patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to chemical gases injures were included in the study. Severity of disease was defined by Gold guideline. Health related quality of life was assessed using the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire. Symptom, activity, impact and total scores were calculated for each patient. Results: the mean age of patients were 42.5±7.4. According to Gold guideline. Most of patients (72%) were in stage 2 (mean FEV1 1.9±0.7 lit. 53.1±18.5%). The scores for each section of St. George Respiratory Questionnaire was as follow: symptom 77.9±16.3, activity 70.2±19.6, impact 57.8±22.5 snd total score 64.9±19.5. There was a reverse correlation between FEV1 (% pread), with symptom, activity, impact and total scores: (p<0.05, r=-0.44,-0.51) Conclusion: this study showed lower lung function results for a greater St. george Respiratory Questionnaire scores and therefore worsening of quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to chemical gases injury.