The main epidemiological and diagnostical features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in servicemen of the armed forces of Ukraine in the conditions of join forces operation

Abstract

The aim: The aim of the work was to determine the leading epidemiological, diagnostical features, disturbance of spirometric indices, changes in the immune system in servicemen with COPD, who take part in Joint Forces Operation (JFO). Materials and methods: 89 male patients were examined, who sought medical help for COPD, group B. They were divided into two groups. 1 group (42 patients) − with COPD, who took part in the JFO not more than 6 month, the 2 group consisted of 47 patients with COPD, who took part in the JFO during the period more than 6 month. Results: The patients in the group 2 had veraciously more points of cough and sputum expectoration in daily amount of 30 and more ml. The type of sputum in 53.2% patients was predominantly mucus-pus. There were also more percentage of patients with feeling short of breath and the high point, achieved at CAT. There were significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, LV mass index between two groups. Conclusions: It was found that servicemen who took part in JFO for more than 6 months had a more severe course of COPD with a higher score in the CAT and probably lower obstructive ventilatory indices, in a probably higher percentage of cases there were detected such a concomitant pathology as AH stage II and GERD. They had Th17 immune response predomination with significant elevation of IL-17, TGF-β, IL-6 concentrations in serum and high concentration of soluble adhesion molecules.