Aspiration in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Baseline standardised measurements: spirometry, gas transfer, lung volumes by body plethysmography, exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), transcutaneous oximetry, respiratory rate, Airways Questionnaire 20 (AQ20), Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), resting pH of unstimulated saliva, auditory perceptual voice evaluation and videofluoroscopy swallowing examination. Radiographic oral barium liquid solution was administered as part of standard videofluoroscopy procedure. Dose of oral barium solution was 100mL, taken twice within a 5-minute period during initial testing. Assessments were delivered individually by an experienced speech pathologist, respiratory scientists and radiographers within 1.5 hours. Measurements performed at 6 months: above measurements repeated excluding OHAT, resting saliva pH, voice evaluation, respiratory rate and videofluoroscopy swallowing examination. Measurements performed at 12 months: AQ20 and EAT-10 via telephone. Measurements performed at 3, 6, 9, 12 months: Episodes of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) via telephone interviews using structured AECOPD questionnaire and examination of medical records.