Abstract Rationale Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is a pattern of abnormal spirometry shown to be associated with increased mortality. This study aimed to 1) assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, breathlessness, health status and quality of life impairment, as well as the rate of hospitalizations among patients with PRISm in Saudi Arabia, and 2) to evaluate whether psychological symptoms influence clinical outcomes. Methods Breathlessness was assessed using the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Quality of life was assessed using the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire. The Chronic Airways Assessment Test questionnaire was used to assess the overall health status and impact of respiratory symptoms on daily life. Other demographic and clinical characteristics of all patients were collected from their medical records. Results A total of 101 patients with PRISm met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 46 (45.5%) had at least one hospital admission in the last year, 14 (13.8%) had at least one Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, 38 (37.6%) exhibited symptoms of anxiety, and 27 (26.7%) exhibited symptoms of depression. Furthermore, 45 (44.5%) demonstrated impacts in association with PRISm on their health status, 37 (36.6%) had increased levels of breathlessness, and 67 (66.3%) had impaired quality of life. Quality of life, health status, and respiratory symptoms were significantly impaired in subjects with depressive or anxious symptoms compared with those without depression or anxiety (Figure 1). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that individuals with PRISm face substantial respiratory and psychological difficulties, including elevated anxiety and depression levels, as well as frequent hospitalizations. Given that PRISm is underdiagnosed and underappreciated with no clear guidelines on treatment plans, these findings underscore the critical need for routine assessments and comprehensive management strategies to enhance quality of life for PRISm patients. This abstract is funded by: None
Alqarni et al. (2026) studied this question.
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