Mitra Samareh Fekri - Cardiovascular Research Center, Basic and Clinical Institute of Physiology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Amir Gorgich - Emergency Medicine Specialist, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
Maliheh Sadat Bazrafshani - Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Masoud Mayel - Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Background: The coexistence of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is recognized as asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ACOS and the characteristics of the affected patients in terms of chronic pulmonary airway diseases in the southeastern Iran, Kerman.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman province, Iran, from March ۲۰۱۷ to March ۲۰۱۸. ۲۹۵ patients with a history of chronic pulmonary airway diseases including asthma and COPD were enrolled through convenience sampling. Spirometry was performed and forced expiratory volume (FEV۱), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV۱/FVC were calculated. The physician made the final diagnosis according to GOLD/GINA criteria. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, t-test, and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare variables through SPSS version ۲۳.Results: The ACOS prevalence was ۳۶.۹% (۹۵% CI: ۳۱.۵- ۴۲.۷). Asthma patients were younger than ACOS patients (P = ۰.۰۰۱) and they had higher levels of FEV۱ (P = ۰.۰۲), FEF (P ≤ ۰.۰۰۱), and FEV۱/FVC (P ≤ ۰.۰۰۱) before receiving bronchodilator in comparison to ACOS patients. However, COPD patients were older than the ACOS patients (P ≤ ۰.۰۰۱). The lung function in ACOS patients before and after receiving bronchodilators was higher for FEV۱ and FVC in COPD patients.Conclusion: The prevalence of ACOS was considerable. The present study showed that gender, age, and BMI could be associated with ACOS. The risk factors underlying ACOS and their impact on the patient’s life quality and treatment costs can be investigated by future studies.

Asthma, COPD, Iran, Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome