Integrated Clinic Improves Care for COPD Patients with Cardiac Complications at Bari Polyclinic
The Bari Polyclinic has launched a new Pneumology–Cardiology Clinic designed to provide a streamlined, integrated care pathway for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and its frequently associated cardiac complications. This initiative, spearheaded by Prof. Elisiana Carpagnano (Director, University Pneumology), Prof. Andrea Igoren guaricci (Professor of Cardiovascular Diseases), and Prof.Marco Matteo Ciccone (Director, University Cardiology), aims to improve the timeliness and quality of care by fostering collaboration between pulmonologists and cardiologists.
COPD, a progressive lung disease affecting millions worldwide and ranking as the third leading cause of death globally, often leads to reduced oxygen levels that negatively impact the heart and circulatory system. Up to 50% of COPD patients develop concurrent cardiac conditions like hypertension, arrhythmias, and ischemic heart disease, considerably worsening their prognosis and quality of life.Survival rates after a severe COPD exacerbation can be as low as 3.6 years, highlighting the critical link between lung and heart health.
Unlike traditional access through the regional health system (Cup), patients are referred to the integrated Clinic from local COPD clinics, following hospitalization for respiratory issues, or through preliminary evaluations identifying individuals at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
The clinic offers simultaneous respiratory and cardiological assessments, utilizing tests such as spirometry, DLCO, oximetry, blood gas analysis, ECG, echocardiogram, and NT-proBNP analysis, alongside risk stratification. A key feature is the collaborative development of personalized treatment plans by pulmonologists and cardiologists, with potential for rapid access to advanced diagnostics including fibrobronchoscopy, stress ECG, coronary angiography, cardiac catheterization, and sleep apnea therapy. Ongoing patient follow-up incorporates scheduled visits, telephone monitoring, and digital tools to promote adherence to treatment.
Initial results, submitted for publication in an international scientific journal and approved by the Polyclinic of Bari’s Ethics Committee (with registration pending on ClinicalTrials.gov), demonstrate the clinic’s impact. After six months of operation,18% of patients received a new significant cardiological diagnosis,and over a third experienced beneficial changes to their respiratory and/or cardiac therapies,leading to improved prognosis.
The multidisciplinary team providing this integrated care includes medical managers Dr.VN Quaranta,Dr. A. Portacci, Prof. S. Dragonieri, Dr. Romito,and Dr.L. Ligurgo, alongside professional nursing staff N.Carlucci, A.Giannoccaro, and C. Vernice.