RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Prevalence of comorbidities and impact on pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes JF ERJ Open Research JO erjor FD European Respiratory Society SP 00264-2019 DO 10.1183/23120541.00264-2019 VO 5 IS 4 A1 Stacey J. Butler A1 Lok Sze Katrina Li A1 Lauren Ellerton A1 Andrea S. Gershon A1 Roger S. Goldstein A1 Dina Brooks YR 2019 UL http://openres.ersjournals.com/content/5/4/00264-2019.abstract AB Background The presence of comorbid conditions could impact performance in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes. We aimed to compare the comorbidity prevalence among those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) and evaluate the impact on PR response.Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study, recording comorbidities for all patients with COPD or ILD referred to PR. Participants were classified as responders to PR if they met the minimal important difference for exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The prevalence of comorbidities and impact on PR outcomes were compared by lung disease and by sex using a univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.Results The mean number of comorbidities was similar among those with COPD (3.3±2.1, n=242) and ILD (3.2±1.9, n=66) (p>0.05). Females had a higher number of comorbidities than males in both COPD (p=0.001) and ILD (p=0.017) populations. Circulatory (64%) and endocrine/metabolic (45%) conditions were most common in COPD. In ILD, digestive (55%) and circulatory (53%) comorbidities were most prevalent. In people with ILD, those over 65 years, with musculoskeletal/connective tissue disease or circulatory disease were less likely to obtain meaningful improvements in exercise capacity. There was no impact of comorbidities on exercise capacity in COPD or on HRQoL in ILD.Conclusions The majority of patients with COPD or ILD enrolled in PR programmes have multiple comorbidities that may affect improvements in exercise capacity. PR programmes may be less effective for older adults with ILD and comorbid circulatory or musculoskeletal disease.Comorbidities are common in people with chronic lung disease and can affect their ability to exercise. People with COPD have a similar comorbidity profile to people with interstitial lung disease (ILD). People with ILD and musculoskeletal disease or circulatory conditions are less likely to improve their exercise capacity after pulmonary rehabilitation. http://bit.ly/2p8WSIn