Validation of a cough-based alert system for COPD exacerbations

An alert mechanism for COPD exacerbation derived from an automated cough count was studied. The system is a nighttime cough monitor intended to operate in a passive and unobtrusive manner to minimise adherence issues. A prospective double-blind longitudinal study of cough monitoring included 40 COPD patients (REC Ref.: 21/YH/0203). Cough data was analysed without any knowledge of the patient status or condition and moderate and severe COPD exacerbations were independently identified without access to the cough monitor data. Data from 32 patients was open to analysis. Not all exacerbations exhibit an increased cough, but we estimate that about 70% of the exacerbations are. 83% of the exacerbations with increased cough were detected of which 33% led to an early alert. The early alerts had a lead time of at least 4 days. Trial participants reported no issues or concerns with such monitoring system. Black stars daily cough counts, red circles alert triggered <fig><object-id>erj;66/suppl_69/PA472/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>