Research question
By 2030, the burden of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma is projected to increase due to aging and environment problem. Multimorbidity and polypharmacy in CRD patients are common, yet the knowledge about their impact on clinical outcomes and underlying patterns are still limited.
Objective
This study aims to leverage the comprehensive UK Biobank dataset to investigate multimorbidity and polypharmacy patterns in CRD patients. Specifically, the objectives are to:
1. Identify common multimorbidity patterns in CRD patients and assess their prevalence and distribution.
2. Characterize polypharmacy practices and evaluate their appropriateness in the context of multimorbidity.
3. Investigate the risk factors associated with the development of multimorbidity in CRD patients, including demographic, genetic, lifestyle, and clinical variables.
4. Explore the impact of these patterns on clinical outcomes, including hospitalization rates, mortality, and quality of life.
Scientific rationale
Multimorbidity in CRD patients often leads to complex treatment regimens, increasing the risk of adverse drug events and poorer outcomes. Investigating these patterns offers an opportunity to identify actionable risk factors, improve disease management, and optimize medication strategies. By combining rich epidemiological data with advanced analytical techniques, this study will provide insights into:
1. The clustering of comorbidities and their interactions with CRD progression.
2. Patterns of medication use, highlighting potential risks of polypharmacy.
3. The risk factors contributing to the development of multimorbidity in CRD patients.
4. Causal relationships between identified patterns and clinical outcomes.
This research will offer evidence-based guidance to healthcare providers, improve treatment strategies, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals with CRDs.
