Nasal inspiratory pressure and static lung hyperinflation in patients with COPD

Abstract

Introduction: The nasal inspiratory pressure – Sniff Nasal Inspiratory Pressure (SNIP) – and static lung hyperinflation are predictors of mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, the direct relationship between these two variables is still unknown. Objective: To investigate the relationship between nasal inspiratory pressure and static lung hyperinflation in subjects with COPD. Methods: Nineteen patients with COPD (11 men, 68±7 years, Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) 37±14% predicted) had their Inspiratory Capacity (IC) and SNIP quantified by spirometry and the measurement of nasal inspiratory pressure, respectively. Results: We observed a significant correlation between IC (liters) and SNIP (% predicted) (r=0.53, P=0.02). However, there was no difference in the comparison of SNIP between individuals with IC < and ≥ 80% predicted (P>0.05). Conclusions: Moderate correlation was found between nasal inspiratory pressure and static lung hyperinflation in COPD. Studies with larger samples are desirable to confirm these results.