Health Related Quality of Life in Subjects with Chronic Bronchiolitis Obliterans due to Chemical Warfare Agents

Health related quality of life has been reported to be deteriorating in subj ects with post-lung transplantation Bronchiolitis Obliterans (BO). However, there are few data about health related quality of life in BO due to exposure to chemical warfare agents (CWA). Current study aimed to assess the health related quality of life in BO after exposure to chemical warfare agents.

In this observational study, 383 subjects with BO due to exposure to CWA were selected in years 2004 and 2005 from patients of respiratory clinic in Baqyiatallah hospital. Demographic data and comorbidities were also registered. All subjects filled

Mean (SD) scores of symptoms, activity, impact and total score were 68.07 (16.28), 67.38 (19.53), 47.02 (21.57), and 56.68 (17.42), respectively. There was a significant correlation between SGRQ subscales and job (p(p>O.O5). Higher scores of SGRQ subscales and total SGRQ scores were correlated with suffering from dermatologic disease, ophthalmologic disease, mental health disorder, history of psychiatric medication use and history of admission in psychiatric ward (pSt George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).

Current study showed a low health related quality of life in subjects with BO due to CWA exposure. Symptoms and activity are the most profound affected items of SGRQ in these subjects. Obstructive pattern of spirometry is not obligatory for low quality of life. This highlights attention while most of these subjects have normal spirometric findings. An appropriate treatment, and health care availability may improve health related quality of life of these patients. The collaboration of pulmonologists, dermatologists, ophtalmologists and psychiatrists is needed for this goal.