Assessment of lung hyperinflation in occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multicentric cross-sectional study.

Unlabelled: Occupational exposure is associated with elevated morbidity and lower quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Static hyperinflation is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in COPD and for COPD exacerbation. In a multicentre, cross-sectional study (BPROFETIO), we sought to analyse the relationship between static hyperinflation and occupational exposure in patients with COPD with or without occupational exposure.

Material And Methods: An overall 'whole working life' cumulative exposure index was calculated for occupational patients with COPD. Spirometry indices and lung volumes were measured according to the 2005 American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines.

Results: After adjustment for age, sex, height, body mass index, smoking and coexposure, the analysis for each occupational hazard showed a higher risk for hyperinflation and FEV decline or progression of COPD or GOLD stage for patients with COPD exposed to non-metallic inorganic dusts.

Conclusion: Occupational exposures should be more investigated in clinical practice and studies as they contribute to the COPD heterogeneity and are associated for some with the development of a static hyperinflation; a condition that is known to have a negative impact on quality of life and survival.