Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among stable chronic disease subjects in primary care in Trinidad, West Indies

Peterson Thorington; Maria Rios; Gina Avila; Josia Henry; C Haynes; Lexley M Pinto Pereira; Terence Ar Seemungal

doi:10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2011.03.03

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among stable chronic disease subjects in primary care in Trinidad, West Indies

J Thorac Dis. 2011 Sep;3(3):177-82. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2011.03.03.

Authors

Peterson Thorington¹, Maria Rios, Gina Avila, Josia Henry, C Haynes, Lexley M Pinto Pereira, Terence Ar Seemungal

Affiliation

¹ Department of Clinical Medicine Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago;

PMID: 22263085
PMCID: PMC3256524
DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2011.03.03

Abstract

The prevalence of COPD in the Caribbean is uncertain. Spirometric indices were assessed at chronic disease clinics in 353 subjects (African, 66; East Indian, 198; 109 male), mean age 56.51 years (non-COPD) vs 59.30 years (COPD). 77 (21.8%) patients had COPD. 33.3% of COPD subjects had chronic cough vs 19.7% of subjects without COPD. A history of at least one chest infection was related to low FEV1 (P=0.005). In subjects presenting with vascular disease the FVC was reduced when compared to other subjects. Prevalence of COPD is 21.8%. A history of chest infections is related to decreased FEV1%.