Impact of endobronchial valve treatment for COPD with or without pulmonary rehabilitation on symptoms of fatigue, anxiety and depression - the SoLVE Study

<bold>Background:</bold> Symptoms of fatigue (FAT), anxiety (ANX) and depression (DEPR) are common in severe COPD. The effects of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) using endobronchial valves with or without pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on these symptoms are unknown. <bold>Aim:</bold> To study the effects of BLVR (with or without PR) on FAT, ANX, and DEPR. <bold>Methods:</bold> 97 patients with severe COPD were randomized to PR+BLVR, BLVR+PR or only BLVR. FAT, ANX, and DEPR were measured at baseline, after each intervention and 6 months after the last intervention using the Checklist Individual Strength fatigue subscale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. <bold>Results:</bold> Baseline values were similar between groups. FAT, ANX, and DEPR improved after PR, remained stable after subsequent BLVR and 6 months follow up. FAT, ANX, and DEPR also improved after BLVR, remained stable or improved after subsequent PR and diminished at 6 months follow up. After only BLVR, FAT, ANX, and DEPR improved and remained stable at 6 months (Table 1). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> This is the first study to show improvements in fatigue, anxiety and depression after BLVR in patients with severe COPD. Similar results were found following PR. A combination of both interventions did not have a synergistic effect. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/OA2802/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>