Association between COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and Disease Severity Based on Reduction of Respiratory Volumes in Chemical Warfare Victims

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to find an association between the short validated patient-completed questionnaire, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and disease severity according to spirometric findings in chemical warfare victims. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 55 patients referred to Sasan Hospital (special complex for chemical warfare victims) were included in this survey. They completed CAT questionnaire and then spirometry was performed. According to GOLD criteria, the subjects were divided into four severity groups. All candidates were non-smoker males. They all had FEV(1)/FVC < 70%. RESULTS: CAT scores varied from 5 to 39, with a mean score of 22.25. FEV(1) varied from 17.5% to 89% with a mean of 53.14, and FVC ranged from 22.9% to100% with a mean of 61.12. Data analysis revealed a significant relationship between CAT and FEV(1) (P = 0.01). There was also a significant relationship between CAT and FVC (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings show a significant association between CAT and disease severity obtained by lung function in chemical warfare victims.