Over 16 million people in the US have COPD and up to 60% go undiagnosed. COPD is the third leading cause of death globally. COPD and fibrotic lung disease such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have no known cure, and are associated with significant suffering and disabling symptoms. Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is the standard of care for persons with COPD and IPF, and is associated with improved physical function, symptoms, mood and quality of life. Although PR is well established as a highly effective treatment for COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases, in the US only 3-4% of Medicare beneficiaries with COPD receive PR. Similarly, low estimates exist for the rest of the world.
Emerging data suggests a further benefit of PR: a reduction in mortality. A study by Lindenauer and colleagues found that, in persons hospitalized due to exacerbation of COPD, PR within 3 months of discharge vs. later or no PR, was associated with a highly significant lower risk of mortality at 1 year (hazard ratio, 0.63; i.e., a 37% lower risk of death over the year following discharge). The study utilized claims data of 197,376 Medicare beneficiaries discharged after hospitalization for COPD. In persons with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) including IPF, Sabina Guler and colleagues demonstrated that that those with greater improvement in exercise performance (assessed by six-minute walk distance) following PR had improved survival. Those persons with ILD who participated in at least 80% of planned PR sessions had a 33% lower risk of death. Both studies support PR as a high priority for persons with COPD and fibrotic ILD.
Patients suffering from COPD and fibrotic ILD should know that PR not only has potential for helping them feel better and being more independent, but also to live longer. We are asking for your support in communicating these important findings of improved survival after PR
to providers and patients. Thank you in advance for your help and collaboration.
Allergy & Asthma Network
Alpha 1 Foundation
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
American Association for Respiratory Care
American Lung Association
American Respiratory Care Foundation
American Thoracic Society
CHEST/ American College of Chest Physicians
COPD Foundation
Dorney-Koppel Foundation
Global Allergy Airways & Patient Platform
LAM Foundation
Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
Respiratory Compromise Institute
Respiratory Health Association
Right2Breathe
US COPD Coalition
