Pulmonary hypertension (PH) resulting from chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) is categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Group 3 PH. To identify the symptoms and impacts of WHO Group 3 PH and to capture data related to the patient experience of this disease, qualitative research interviews were undertaken with 3 clinical experts and with 14 individuals with PH secondary to COPD or ILD. Shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, and swelling were the most frequently reported symptoms of PH due to COPD or ILD, and shortness of breath was further identified as the single most bothersome symptom for most patients (71.4%). Interview participants also described experiencing a number of impacts related to PH and PH symptoms, including limitations in the ability to perform activities of daily living and impacts on physical functioning, family life, and social life as well as emotional impacts, which included frustration, depression, anxiety, isolation, and sadness. Results of these qualitative interviews offer an understanding of the patient experience of PH due to COPD or ILD, including insight into the symptoms and impacts that are most important to patients in this population. As such, these results may help guide priorities in clinical treatment and assist researchers in their selection of patient-reported outcome measures for clinical trials in patients with PH due to COPD or ILD.
EXPRESS: Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Interstitial Lung Disease or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Patient Experience Study of Symptoms and Their Impact on Quality of Life
