Case-Finding tool for COPD in LMIC (COLA) - translation and cross-cultural adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese language.

OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the COPD in Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) Assessment (COLA) questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese, a case-finding instrument for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation were completed in six steps: the original version was translated into Brazilian Portuguese by two native speakers of the target language; the translated versions were synthesized; back-translation was performed by two native speakers of the original language; the back-translation and the Brazilian Portuguese version of the COLA were reviewed and harmonized by an expert committee of specialists; and, then, the pre-final version was tested by 30 health professionals who were asked if the items were clear to understand. The acceptability, clarity, and understandability of the translated version were evaluated. A final review of the questionnaire was produced by the authors and approved by the author of the original questionnaire. RESULTS: Some idiomatic, semantic, and experiential inconsistencies were identified and properly adjusted. Item 3 was considered the most unclear item (23,3%). Items 7, 8, and 9 presented clarity above 80% (93%, 90%, and 90%, respectively). Suggestions were discussed and incorporated into the tool and COLA was found to be clear and easy to understand. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian version of the COLA was easily understood by healthcare professionals and adapted to Brazilian culture. Translation and cultural adaptation of the COLA instrument into Brazilian Portuguese can be an important case-finding instrument for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Brazil.

Discriminative value of pulse wave velocity for arterial stiffness and cardiac injury in prediabetic patients.

Background: Prediabetes (PD) is defined as impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and may be associated with high risk of cardiovascular injury. It is recommended that PD patients be screened for signs of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular injury to reinforce therapeutic strategies. Objectives: To identify pulse wave velocity values discriminative for arterial stiffness and cardiovascular injury in PD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with PD (N=43) and normoglycemic (N=37) patients who underwent clinical evaluation, arterial stiffness assessment by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) using SphygmoCor, laboratory blood analysis, investigation of morphological and functional cardiac variables by transthoracic echocardiogram, and assessment of carotid intima-media-thickness (CIMT) by carotid ultrasonography. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and values of p<0.05 were considered significant. Results: A cfPWV cut-off value of 6.9 m/s was identified for IGT (Sensitivity [SE]: 74% and Specificity [SP]: 51%). Comparison of general data and risk factors between subsets with values above and below this cutoff value revealed higher rates of fasting glucose (p=0.02), obesity (p=0.03), dyslipidemia (p=0.004), early signs of left ventricle (p=0.017) and right ventricle (p=0.03) impaired diastolic function, and elevated CIMT in subjects with cfPWV ≥ 6.9m/s (p=0.04). Conclusions: In PD patients, a cfPWV cutoff of 6.9 m/s was considered a discriminative value for arterial stiffness. These findings highlight the value of early investigation of cardiovascular injury and aggressive therapy strategies with good control of risk factors in PD.

Contexto: O pré-diabetes (PD) é definido como glicemia de jejum alterada e/ou tolerância à glicose alterada (TGA) e pode estar associado a alto risco de lesão cardiovascular. Recomenda-se discriminar quais pacientes com PD podem apresentar sinais de rigidez arterial e lesão cardiovascular para reforçar as estratégias terapêuticas. Objetivos: Identificar os valores discriminativos da velocidade de onda de pulso determinantes de rigidez arterial e lesão cardiovascular em pacientes com PD. Métodos: Estudo transversal em pacientes com PD (N=43) e normoglicêmicos (N=37) submetidos a avaliação clínica, avaliação da rigidez arterial pela velocidade da onda de pulso carótido-femoral (cfPWV) utilizando SphygmoCor, análise laboratorial de sangue, investigação de alterações morfológicas e variáveis cardíacas funcionais por ecocardiograma transtorácico e avaliação da espessura íntima-média carotídea (EIMC) pela ultrassonografia da carótida. A análise estatística foi realizada no software SPSS, e valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados: Foi identificado um valor de corte cfPWV de 6,9 m/s para TGA (sensibilidade 74% e especificidade 51%). A comparação dos dados e fatores de risco entre valores acima e abaixo do valor de corte estabelecido revelou glicemia de jejum elevada (p=0,02), obesidade (p=0,03), dislipidemia (p=0,004), sinais precoces de função diastólica prejudicada do ventrículo esquerdo (p=0,017) e ventrículo direito (p=0,03) e maior EIMC em cfPWV ≥6,9m/s (p=0,04). Conclusões: Em pacientes com PD, o cfPWV de 6,9 m/s foi considerado um valor discriminativo de rigidez arterial. Esses achados reforçam que a investigação precoce da lesão cardiovascular e uma estratégia com terapia agressiva são valiosas no controle dos fatores de risco na PD.

Case-Finding tool for COPD in LMIC (COLA) - translation and cross-cultural adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese language

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To translate and cross-culturally adapt the COPD in Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) Assessment (COLA) questionnaire into Brazilian Portuguese, a case-finding instrument for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS Translation and cross-cultural adaptation were completed in six steps: the original version was translated into Brazilian Portuguese by two native speakers of the target language; the translated versions were synthesized; back-translation was performed by two native speakers of the original language; the back-translation and the Brazilian Portuguese version of the COLA were reviewed and harmonized by an expert committee of specialists; and, then, the pre-final version was tested by 30 health professionals who were asked if the items were clear to understand. The acceptability, clarity, and understandability of the translated version were evaluated. A final review of the questionnaire was produced by the authors and approved by the author of the original questionnaire. RESULTS Some idiomatic, semantic, and experiential inconsistencies were identified and properly adjusted. Item 3 was considered the most unclear item (23,3%). Items 7, 8, and 9 presented clarity above 80% (93%, 90%, and 90%, respectively). Suggestions were discussed and incorporated into the tool and COLA was found to be clear and easy to understand. CONCLUSIONS The Brazilian version of the COLA was easily understood by healthcare professionals and adapted to Brazilian culture. Translation and cultural adaptation of the COLA instrument into Brazilian Portuguese can be an important case-finding instrument for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Brazil.

Discriminative value of pulse wave velocity for arterial stiffness and cardiac injury in prediabetic patients / Valor discriminativo da velocidade da onda de pulso para rigidez arterial e lesão cardíaca em pacientes pré-diabéticos

Abstract Background Prediabetes (PD) is defined as impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and may be associated with high risk of cardiovascular injury. It is recommended that PD patients be screened for signs of arterial stiffness and cardiovascular injury to reinforce therapeutic strategies. Objectives To identify pulse wave velocity values discriminative for arterial stiffness and cardiovascular injury in PD patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with PD (N=43) and normoglycemic (N=37) patients who underwent clinical evaluation, arterial stiffness assessment by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) using SphygmoCor, laboratory blood analysis, investigation of morphological and functional cardiac variables by transthoracic echocardiogram, and assessment of carotid intima-media-thickness (CIMT) by carotid ultrasonography. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and values of p<0.05 were considered significant. Results A cfPWV cut-off value of 6.9 m/s was identified for IGT (Sensitivity [SE]: 74% and Specificity [SP]: 51%). Comparison of general data and risk factors between subsets with values above and below this cutoff value revealed higher rates of fasting glucose (p=0.02), obesity (p=0.03), dyslipidemia (p=0.004), early signs of left ventricle (p=0.017) and right ventricle (p=0.03) impaired diastolic function, and elevated CIMT in subjects with cfPWV ≥ 6.9m/s (p=0.04). Conclusions In PD patients, a cfPWV cutoff of 6.9 m/s was considered a discriminative value for arterial stiffness. These findings highlight the value of early investigation of cardiovascular injury and aggressive therapy strategies with good control of risk factors in PD.

Resumo Contexto O pré-diabetes (PD) é definido como glicemia de jejum alterada e/ou tolerância à glicose alterada (TGA) e pode estar associado a alto risco de lesão cardiovascular. Recomenda-se discriminar quais pacientes com PD podem apresentar sinais de rigidez arterial e lesão cardiovascular para reforçar as estratégias terapêuticas. Objetivos Identificar os valores discriminativos da velocidade de onda de pulso determinantes de rigidez arterial e lesão cardiovascular em pacientes com PD. Métodos Estudo transversal em pacientes com PD (N=43) e normoglicêmicos (N=37) submetidos a avaliação clínica, avaliação da rigidez arterial pela velocidade da onda de pulso carótido-femoral (cfPWV) utilizando SphygmoCor, análise laboratorial de sangue, investigação de alterações morfológicas e variáveis cardíacas funcionais por ecocardiograma transtorácico e avaliação da espessura íntima-média carotídea (EIMC) pela ultrassonografia da carótida. A análise estatística foi realizada no software SPSS, e valores de p<0,05 foram considerados significativos. Resultados Foi identificado um valor de corte cfPWV de 6,9 m/s para TGA (sensibilidade 74% e especificidade 51%). A comparação dos dados e fatores de risco entre valores acima e abaixo do valor de corte estabelecido revelou glicemia de jejum elevada (p=0,02), obesidade (p=0,03), dislipidemia (p=0,004), sinais precoces de função diastólica prejudicada do ventrículo esquerdo (p=0,017) e ventrículo direito (p=0,03) e maior EIMC em cfPWV ≥6,9m/s (p=0,04). Conclusões Em pacientes com PD, o cfPWV de 6,9 m/s foi considerado um valor discriminativo de rigidez arterial. Esses achados reforçam que a investigação precoce da lesão cardiovascular e uma estratégia com terapia agressiva são valiosas no controle dos fatores de risco na PD.

Comparing cardiac function and structure and their relationship with exercise capacity between patients with stable COPD and recent acute exacerbation: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with COPD are prone to cardiac remodeling; however, little is known about cardiac function in patients recovering from an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and its association with exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac function and structure and to compare their relationship with exercise capacity in patients with a recent AECOPD and patients with clinically stable COPD. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 40 COPD patients equally divided into two groups: recent AECOPD group (AEG) and clinically stable COPD group (STG). Echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function and chamber structure. The six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and the Duke Activity Status Index (estimated Vo2) were used in order to assess exercise capacity. RESULTS: No significant differences in cardiac function and structure were found between the groups. The 6MWD was associated with early/late diastolic mitral filling velocity ratio (r = 0.50; p < 0.01), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (r = -0.33; p = 0.03), and right atrium volume index (r = -0.34; p = 0.04), whereas Vo2 was associated with right atrium volume index (r = -0.40; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the clinical condition (recent AECOPD vs. stable COPD), the cardiac function and structure were similar between the groups, and exercise capacity (determined by the 6MWD and Vo2) was associated with cardiac features.

Role of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction on lower limb performance in older adults with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To verify whether arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction influence lower limb muscle strength and gait speed in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Cross-sectional study including seventy-eight older adults with T2DM (aged 67 ± 6 years and 42 % male). Arterial stiffness was assessed using pulse wave velocity (PWV), while endothelial function was measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Lower limb muscle strength and gait speed were assessed using the 30-second chair stand test (30s-CST) and 10-Meter Walk Test, respectively. RESULTS: Both PWV (m/s) and FMD (%) were univariately associated with number of repetitions in 30s-CST and gait speed (P < 0.05). After control for age, sex and body mass index, PWV remained associated with repetitions in 30s-CST (95 % CI: -0.494 to -0.054; P = 0.015) and gait speed (95 % CI: -0.039 to -0.002; P = 0.031). After adjustments for control variables, T2DM duration and glycemic control, FMD was associated with repetitions in 30s-CST (95 % CI: 0.008 to 0.324; P = 0.039) and gait speed (95 % CI: 0.011 to 0.038; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In older adults with T2DM, both arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are associated with decreased leg muscle strength and slower gait speed.

Comparing cardiac function and structure and their relationship with exercise capacity between patients with stable COPD and recent acute exacerbation: a cross-sectional study / Comparação da função e estrutura cardíaca e sua relação com a capacidade de exercício entre pacientes com DPOC estável e exacerbação aguda recente: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: Patients with COPD are prone to cardiac remodeling; however, little is known about cardiac function in patients recovering from an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and its association with exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardiac function and structure and to compare their relationship with exercise capacity in patients with a recent AECOPD and patients with clinically stable COPD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including 40 COPD patients equally divided into two groups: recent AECOPD group (AEG) and clinically stable COPD group (STG). Echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function and chamber structure. The six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and the Duke Activity Status Index (estimated Vo2) were used in order to assess exercise capacity. Results: No significant differences in cardiac function and structure were found between the groups. The 6MWD was associated with early/late diastolic mitral filling velocity ratio (r = 0.50; p < 0.01), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (r = −0.33; p = 0.03), and right atrium volume index (r = −0.34; p = 0.04), whereas Vo2 was associated with right atrium volume index (r = −0.40; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Regardless of the clinical condition (recent AECOPD vs. stable COPD), the cardiac function and structure were similar between the groups, and exercise capacity (determined by the 6MWD and Vo2) was associated with cardiac features.

RESUMO Objetivo: Pacientes com DPOC são propensos a remodelamento cardíaco; no entanto, pouco se sabe sobre a função cardíaca em pacientes em recuperação de exacerbação aguda da DPOC (EADPOC) e sua associação com a capacidade de exercício. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a função e estrutura cardíaca e comparar sua relação com a capacidade de exercício em pacientes com EADPOC recente e pacientes com DPOC clinicamente estável. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 40 pacientes com DPOC divididos igualmente em dois grupos: grupo EADPOC recente (GEA) e grupo DPOC clinicamente estável (GCE). Realizou-se ecocardiografia para avaliar a função cardíaca e a estrutura das câmaras. A distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (DTC6) e o Duke Activity Status Index (Vo2 estimado) foram utilizados para avaliar a capacidade de exercício. Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na função e estrutura cardíaca entre os grupos. A DTC6 apresentou associação com a razão entre as velocidades de enchimento diastólico mitral precoce e tardia (r = 0,50; p < 0,01), a espessura da parede posterior do ventrículo esquerdo (r = −0,33; p = 0,03) e o índice de volume do átrio direito (r = −0,34; p = 0,04), enquanto o Vo2 apresentou associação com o índice de volume do átrio direito (r = −0,40; p = 0,02). Conclusões: Independentemente da condição clínica (EADPOC recente vs. DPOC estável), a função e estrutura cardíaca eram semelhantes entre os grupos, e a capacidade de exercício (determinada pela DTC6 e pelo Vo2) apresentou associação com as características cardíacas.

Brain-heart autonomic axis across different clinical status and severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PURPOSE: Impairment of cardiac autonomic integrity is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. The influence of the interaction between clinical and severity status on brain-heart autonomic axis (BHAA) is not well known. We aimed to investigate the BHAA function across different clinical status and severity of COPD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 77 COPD patients allocated into four groups according to clinical status [acute exacerbation (GAE) or stable (GST)] and severity [less (-) or more (+)]: 1) GAE-, n = 13; 2) GAE+, n = 20; 3) GST-, n = 23; and 4) GST+, n = 21. Heart rate variability (HRV) at rest and heart rate recovery (HRR) after 6-min walk test were markers of BHAA. Mean R-R, STDRR, RMSSD, RRtri, HF, LF, SD1, SD2, ApEn and SampEn were the HRV indexes and, HRR was obtained as: HR at 1st min of recovery minus peak HR. RESULTS: A main effect of clinical status (p < 0.001) was found to vagal modulation in GAE-vs. GST- (RMSSD: 25.0 ± 14.8 vs. 12.6 ± 5.5 ms; SD1: 18.0 ± 10.6 vs. 8.9 ± 3.9 ms) and to GAE + vs. GST+ (RMSSD: 26.4 ± 15.2 vs. 15.4 ± 6.3 ms; SD1: 18.3 ± 11.2 vs. 10.9 ± 4.5 ms). An effect of clinical status (p = 0.032) and severity (p = 0.030) were found to HF (vagal) in GAE + compared to GAE- and GST+ (264.7 ± 239.0 vs. 134.7 ± 169.7 and 135.8 ± 139.7 ms2). Lower HRR was found in GAE-compared to GST- (8.0 ± 2.4 vs. 19.6 ± 2.4 bpm), p = 0.002. CONCLUSION: In COPD patients, clinical status (AECOPD or stable) was more dominant than the severity on BHAA function. A more pronounced parasympathetic modulation was found in AECOPD patients with a lower HRR to exercise.

Noninvasive ventilation acutely improves endothelial function in exacerbated COPD patients.

PURPOSE: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events, which can be linked to endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether noninvasive ventilation (NIV) acutely changes endothelial function in hospitalized AECOPD patients. METHODS: Twenty-one AECOPD patients were assessed in a hospital ward setting from 24 to 48 h after admission. NIV was applied using a ventilator with bilevel pressure support. Before and after NIV protocol, patients were evaluated regarding (1) endothelium-dependent function, assessed non-invasively using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) method; (2) arterial blood gas analysis. Other baseline evaluations included clinical and anthropometric data, and laboratory tests. RESULTS: The total group showed a significant improvement in FMD as a result of NIV effect (P = 0.010). While arterial carbon dioxide and oxygen were not altered, oxygen saturation increased after NIV (P = 0.045). The subgroup comparison of responders (FMD ≥ 1%) and non-responders (FMD < 1%) showed significant baseline differences in body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.019) and predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (P = 0.007). In univariate and multivariate analyses, both BMI and FEV1 were determinant for endothelial response to NIV. CONCLUSION: NIV acutely improves endothelial function in hospitalized AECOPD patients. Overweight and COPD severity may represent important characteristics for the magnitude of peripheral vascular response.

Association of exercise capacity and endothelial function in patients with severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are associated with significant poor outcomes including an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and exercise intolerance. Endothelial dysfunction might contribute to an impaired vascular homeostasis and consequently to CV events and exercise capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the association between exercise capacity and endothelial function in patients with severe AECOPD. Forty-five COPD patients diagnosed with severe AECOPD and admitted to the University Hospital of São Carlos from 2017 to 2019 were enrolled in this observational clinical study. Endothelial Function was assessed by brachial artery ultrasonography (M-Turbo, Sonosite, Bottle, WA, USA) and Flow Mediated Dilatation (FMD) technique in absolute (mm) and percentage values (%). Walking distance (6MWD) obtained by six-minute walk test was considered to characterize the exercise capacity. Pearson's correlation analysis and linear regression model were applied and a significance level of 5%. There was a significant positive correlation between exercise capacity and endothelial function. Pearson correlation coefficient were 0.36 (p = 0.02) and 0.40 (p = 0.01) between 6MWD and FMD in mm and %, respectively. Linear regression model revealed 6MWD (p = 0.007), accounting for 15% of FMD (%) variance (R2 adjusted). FMD (%) = 2.11 + (0.0081*6MWD). Exercise capacity is associated with endothelial function in patients with severe AECOPD. FMD was found to be increasing with increasing walked distance. Further research is needed to provide evidence of effectiveness of rehabilitation on exercise capacity and endothelial function in these patients and its prognostic value.

Left Ventricular Geometry in COPD Patients: ARE THERE ASSOCIATIONS WITH AIRFLOW LIMITATION, FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY, AND GRIP STRENGTH?

PURPOSE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and abnormalities of left ventricular (LV) geometry often coexist. This study aimed to verify whether LV geometry is associated with airflow obstruction, functional capacity, and grip strength in COPD patients. METHODS: Thirty-seven COPD patients (GOLD II, III, and IV) were allocated to three groups according to LV geometry as assessed by transthoracic echocardiography: normal (n = 13), concentric LV remodeling (n = 8), and concentric LV hypertrophy (LVH) (n = 16). Lung function was assessed using spirometry. The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) was used to estimate functional capacity, and grip strength measurement was performed using a hydraulic hand dynamometer. RESULTS: The concentric LVH group presented lower DASI scores (P = .045) and grip strength (P = .006) when compared with the normal group. Correlations analysis showed the following: relative wall thickness negatively correlated with forced expiratory volume in the first second (r = -0.380; P = .025) and DASI score (r = -0.387, P = .018); LV mass index negatively correlated with grip strength (r = -0.363, P = .038). CONCLUSIONS: In COPD patients, LV geometry is associated with airflow limitation, functional capacity, and grip strength. Specifically, concentric LV remodeling is associated with increased airflow limitation and decreased functional capacity whereas increased LV mass is associated with decreased grip strength.

Increased parasympathetic cardiac modulation in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD: how should we interpret it?

BACKGROUND: Cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) is impaired in patients with stable COPD. Exacerbation aggravates the patients' health status and functional capacity. While the clinical and functional effects of exacerbation are known, no studies investigated CAM during exacerbation and whether there is a relationship between CAM and functional capacity and dyspnea. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with moderate to severe COPD were enrolled into two groups: stable COPD (GSta, n=16) and acute exacerbation of COPD (GAE, n=16). The GAE patients were evaluated 24-48 hours after starting standard therapy for COPD exacerbation during hospitalization; the GSta patients were evaluated in an outpatient clinic and included in the study if no decompensation episodes had occurred during the previous month. The heart rate (HR) and R-wave peak detection intervals in ms (RRi) were registered using a heart rate monitor (Polar® system) at rest in seated position during 10 minutes. CAM was assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) linear and non-linear analysis. Functional capacity was evaluated by handgrip strength test, performed by Jamar® dynamometer, and dyspnea was scored using the modified scale of the Medical Research Council. RESULTS: GAE presented higher parasympathetic CAM values compared with GSta for square root of the mean squared differences of successive RRi (RMSSD; 17.8±5.6 ms vs 11.7±9.5 ms); high frequency (HF; 111.3±74.9 ms2 vs 45.6±80.7 ms2) and standard deviation measuring the dispersion of points in the plot perpendicular to the line of identity (SD1; 12.7±3.9 ms vs 8.3±6.7 ms) and higher CAM values for standard deviation of the mean of all of RRi (STD RRi; 19.3±6.5 ms vs 14.3±12.5 ms); RRi tri (5.2±1.7 ms vs 4.0±3.0 ms); triangular interpolation of NN interval histogram (TINN; 88.7±26.9 ms vs 70.6±62.2 ms); low frequency (LF; 203±210.7 ms2 vs 101.8±169.7 ms2) and standard deviation measuring the dispersion of points along the line of identity (SD2; 30.4±14.8 ms vs 16.2±12.54 ms). Lower values were observed for the complexity indices: approximate entropy (ApEn; 0.9±0.07 vs 1.06±0.06) and sample entropy (SampEn; 1.4±0.3 vs 1.7±0.3). Significant and moderate associations were observed between HF (nu) and handgrip strength (r=-0.58; P=0.01) and between LF (ms2) and subjective perception of dyspnea (r=-0.53; P=0.03). CONCLUSION: COPD exacerbated patients have higher parasympathetic CAM than stable patients. This should be interpreted with caution since vagal influence on the airways determines a narrowing and not a better clinical condition. Additionally, functional capacity was negatively associated with parasympathetic CAM in COPD exacerbation.