Introduction

COPD patients with bronchiectasis or chronic bronchitis report more severe symptoms, purulent sputum expectoration and

acute exacerbation. Airway Clearance Techniques (ACTs) may improve quality of life and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Aim

Study objective was to evaluate the effects of a new ACT technology (Simeox, Physio-Assist, France) in hospitalized COPD patients

suffering of chest congestion compared to manual physiotherapy.

Results

Age 65±8ys, 7 men and 3 women, 7 with bronchiectasis and 8 had lung crackles, BMI 27.1±6.1kg/m2, Borg scale 4.5±1.8, SpO2

96.3±1.7%, FEV1% 42±19.

Methods

10 COPD patients (FEV1>20%) with AECOPD who reported excessive mucus congestion and difficulties to clear airways despite

bronchodilator therapy were treated 5 days (2 sessions of 20-min/day) during hospitalization with either Simeox device or

manual physiotherapy (5 patients in each group). Patients were excluded if they had recent pneumothorax, severe cardiac health

issues, recent haemoptysis or inability to perform spirometry.

Spirometry, symptoms, CAT score, usability and safety were compared between the 2 groups.

Baseline characteristics

Variables

65±8 Age (years) mean ± SD

Male (N / %)

Body mass index (kg/m²) mean ± SD

CAT score mean ± SD

Dyspnea (BORG scale) mean ± SD

7 (70%)

27.1±6.1

21.6±5.9

4.5±1.8

65.8±7.3

4 (80%)

28.1±6.1

20.2±6.4

3±0.7

64.2±9.4

3 (60%)

26.1±6.6

17.2±5.4

6±1.2

Global Group values (N=10)

SIMEOX group values (N=5)

Manual physiotherapy group values (N=5)

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