2017 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease reclassifies half of COPD subjects to lower risk group

CRP, Fibrinogen, White Blood Cells, and Blood Cell Indices as Prognostic Biomarkers of Future COPD Exacerbation Frequency: The TIE Cohort Study

Background/Objective: Systemic inflammation is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and evidence suggests that inflammatory biomarkers can predict acute exacerbations (AECOPDs). The aim of this study was to analyse whether C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, white blood cell count (WBC), or the blood cell indices PLR (platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio), SII (systemic immune inflammation index), SIRI (systemic inflammation response index), and AISI (aggregate index of systemic inflammation) can predict future AECOPDs. Methods: In the Tools Identifying Exacerbations (TIE) cohort study, participants with spirometry-confirmed COPD were recruited from primary and secondary care in three Swedish regions and assessed during a stable phase of COPD. AECOPD frequency during the three-year follow-up was reviewed in medical records. Associations were analysed via ordinal logistic regressions. Results: Of the 571 participants, 46% had ≥1 AECOPD during follow-up, and the mean ± SD AECOPD frequency was 0.63 ± 1.2/year. In unadjusted analyses, high levels of CRP (odds ratio 1.86, 95% CI 1.29-2.67), fibrinogen (2.09, 1.38-3.16), WBCs (2.18, 1.52-3.13), SII (1.52, 1.05-2.19), SIRI (1.76, 1.23-2.52), and AISI (1.99, 1.38-2.87) were associated with a higher AECOPD frequency. After adjustment for AECOPD history, age, sex, smoking, body mass index, COPD Assessment Test score, lung function, and inhaled corticosteroid use, associations remained for high levels of CRP (adjusted odds ratio of 1.64; 95% CI of 1.08-2.49), fibrinogen (1.55; 1.07-2.24), and WBC (1.65; 1.10-2.47). Conclusions: CRP, fibrinogen, and WBC, assessed during stable-phase COPD, enhanced AECOPD prediction, whereas PLR, SII, SIRI, and AISI did not.

Biomarkers of chronic airflow limitation and COPD identified by mass spectrometry

Rationale

COPD affects 300 million people worldwide and is the third leading cause of death according to World Health Organization global health estimates. Early symptoms are subtle, and so COPD is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Thus, there is an unmet need for biomarkers that can identify individuals at early stages of the disease before clinical symptoms have manifested. To date, few biomarkers are available for clinical diagnostic use in COPD.

Methods

We evaluated a panel of serum biomarkers related to inflammation and infection for their ability to discriminate between 77 subjects with chronic airflow limitation (CAL) and 142 subjects with COPD, versus 150 healthy subjects (divided into two control groups that were matched with regards to age, gender and smoking to CAL and COPD). Healthy subjects and CAL were from Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD), a population-based study. CAL was defined by post-bronchodilatory forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio <0.7 in the BOLD population. COPD subjects were from Tools for Identifying Exacerbations (TIE), a COPD patient cohort. Quantification of 100 biomarker candidates was done by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Several protein-derived peptides were upregulated in CAL, compared to controls; most notably peptides representing histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP1), α1-antitrypsin (α1AT) and fibronectin. Out of these, HRG-, AGP1- and α1AT-specific peptides were also elevated in the COPD cohort.

Conclusion

HRG, AGP1 and α1AT biomarkers distinguish subjects with CAL and COPD from healthy controls. HRG and AGP1 represent novel findings.

Unmasking the Silent Threat: Periodontal Health's Impact on COPD Severity and Hospitalization

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and periodontitis, focusing on how periodontal health impacts COPD airflow limitation, exacerbations, and hospitalization.

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis, a multifactorial inflammatory disease, is characterized by destruction of tooth-supporting structures, while COPD is a global pulmonary disorder with high mortality.

METHODS

A total of 199 COPD patients aged over 40 years underwent lung function tests (spirometry), 6 min walk test, and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire-COPD (SGRQ-C) to assess lung health. Periodontal indices such as probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and plaque index (PI) were assessed.

RESULTS

We found a significant negative correlation between periodontal disease severity and lung function (lower FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio) after adjusting for smoking. Likewise, periodontal parameters (PPD, PI, and CAL) exhibited negative correlations with lung function. These periodontal indices were independently associated with airflow limitation severity, exacerbations frequency, and prior-year hospitalization. Linear regression indicated that each unit increase in PPD, PI, and CAL corresponded to estimated increases in GOLD airflow limitation grading (0.288, 0.718, and 0.193, respectively) and number of exacerbations (0.115, 0.041, and 0.109, respectively). In logistic regression, PPD, PI, and CAL adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were estimated to increase by 1.29 (95%CI: 1.03-1.62), 3.04 (95%CI: 1.28-7.2), and 1.26 (95%CI: 1.06-1.49), respectively, for hospitalization in previous year.

CONCLUSION

Periodontitis is associated with COPD airflow limitation, exacerbation, and hospitalization, with PI being the most clinically relevant periodontal factor. Dentists and physicians should monitor and increase awareness among COPD patients to maintain oral hygiene for prevention of periodontal diseases and mitigate its effect on COPD progression.

Classification of COPD as ABCD according to GOLD 2011 and 2017 versions in COPD patients at University Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

In 2017, Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Disease (GOLD) made substantial changes to its ABCD group categorization. Although several studies had been conducted to assess the impact of the new GOLD category, there was no research on the change of the GOLD classification in Vietnam. This retrospective analysis was conducted at Asthma and COPD clinic at the University Medical Center in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Our study population comprised patients visiting Medical Center from January 2018 to January 2020. We categorized patients' demographic, clinical characteristics and pharmacotherapy based on GOLD 2011 and 2017 guidelines. A comparison between the two versions was also determined. A total of 457 patients were included in this study. The percentage of groups A, B, C and D according to GOLD 2011 was 5%, 20.8%, 13.1% and 61.1%; and according to GOLD 2017 was 6.1%, 34.1%, 12% and 47.8%, respectively. In terms of gender, male patients constituted nearly 95% of the study's population (433/457 patients). Regarding pharmacotherapy, approximately 20% of the low-risk group (group A-B) was overtreated with ICS components: LABA+ICS (15.8%) and LAMA+LABA+ICS (3.8%). There were 13.3% and 1.1% of patients transferred from D to B and from C to A, respectively. All of them had lower FVC% pred, FEV1% pred and FEV1/FVC than the patients remained in group B or A (p<0.005). This is the first research in Vietnam to show the distribution of COPD patients using both the GOLD 2011 and GOLD 2017 criteria. There was 14% of patients reclassified from high-risk groups to low-risk groups when changing from 2011 to 2017 version and discordance of medications between guidelines and real-life practice. Therefore, clinicians should use their clinical competence to consider patients' conditions before deciding the appropriate therapeutic approach. Consequently, further studies were required to evaluate the effect of the change in GOLD classification.

Burden of Disease in Patients with Mild or Mild-to-Moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease Group A or B): A Systematic Literature Review

Background

Patients with mild or mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), defined as Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) group A/B, are regarded as having a lower risk of experiencing multiple or severe exacerbations compared with patients classified as GOLD group C/D. Current guidelines suggest that patients in GOLD A/B should commence treatment with a bronchodilator; however, some patients within this population who have a higher disease burden may benefit from earlier introduction of dual bronchodilator or inhaled corticosteroid-containing therapies. This study aimed to provide research-based insights into the burden of disease experienced by patients classified as GOLD A/B, and to identify characteristics associated with poorer outcomes.

Methods

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify evidence (burden of disease and prevalence data) relating to the population of interest (patients with COPD classified as GOLD A/B).

Results

A total of 79 full-text publications and four conference abstracts were included. In general, the rates of moderate and severe exacerbations were higher among patients in GOLD group B than among those in group A. Among patients classified as GOLD A/B, the risk of exacerbation was higher in those with more symptoms (modified Medical Research Council or COPD Assessment Test scales) and more severe airflow limitation (forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted).

Conclusion

Data from this SLR provide clear evidence of a heavier burden of disease for patients in GOLD B, compared with those in GOLD A, and highlight factors associated with worse outcomes for patients in GOLD A/B.

Alveolar Nitric Oxide in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-A Two-Year Follow-Up

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects the airways and gas exchange areas. Nitric oxide (NO) production from the airways is presented as FENO50 and from the gas exchange areas as alveolar NO (CANO). We aimed to evaluate, over two years, the consistency of the CANO estimations in subjects with COPD. A total of 110 subjects (45 men) who completed the study were included from primary and secondary care settings. CANO was estimated using the two-compartment model. CANO increased slightly during the two-year follow-up (p = 0.01), but FENO50 remained unchanged (p = 0.24). Among the subjects with a low CANO (<1 ppb) at inclusion, only 2% remained at a low level. For those at a high level (>2 ppb), 29% remained so. The modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (mMRC) score increased at least one point in 29% of the subjects, and those subjects also increased in CANO from 0.9 (0.5, 2.1) ppb to 1.8 (1.1, 2.3) ppb, p = 0.015. We conclude that alveolar NO increased slightly over two years, together with a small decline in lung function. The increase in CANO was found especially in those whose levels of dyspnoea increased over time.

MAIT cell counts are associated with the risk of hospitalization in COPD

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation associated with chronic inflammation in the airways. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are unconventional, innate-like T cells highly abundant in mucosal tissues including the lung. We hypothesized that the characteristics of MAIT cells in circulation may be prospectively associated with COPD morbidity.

METHODS

COPD subjects (n = 61) from the Tools for Identifying Exacerbations (TIE) study were recruited when in stable condition. At study entry, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) was measured and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cryopreserved for later analysis by flow cytometry. Patients were followed for 3 years to record clinically meaningful outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients who required hospitalization at one or more occasions during the 3-year follow-up (n = 21) had lower MAIT cell counts in peripheral blood at study inclusion, compared with patients who did not get hospitalized (p = 0.036). In contrast, hospitalized and never hospitalized patients did not differ in CD8 or CD4 T cell counts (p = 0.482 and p = 0.221, respectively). Moreover, MAIT cells in hospitalized subjects showed a more activated phenotype with higher CD38 expression (p = 0.014), and there was a trend towards higher LAG-3 expression (p = 0.052). Conventional CD4 and CD8 T cells were similar between the groups. Next we performed multi-variable logistic regression analysis with hospitalizations as dependent variable, and FEV₁, GOLD 2017 group, and quantity or activation of MAIT and conventional T cells as independent variables. MAIT cell count, CD38 expression on MAIT cells, and LAG-3 expression on both MAIT and CD8 T cells were all independently associated with the risk of hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that MAIT cells might reflect a novel, FEV₁-independent immunological dimension in the complexity of COPD. The potential implication of MAIT cells in COPD pathogenesis and MAIT cells' prognostic potential deserve further investigation.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, blood eosinophils and COPD exacerbations: a cohort study

Background

Blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and blood eosinophils (B-Eos) are emerging biomarkers in COPD. This study examined whether they could predict acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPDs), and determined their longitudinal stability.

Methods

In this closed cohort study, Swedish subjects with spirometry-verified COPD attended three yearly visits in a stable phase of the disease. Blood cell counts, spirometry and questionnaire-assessed AECOPD-history (worsening of COPD leading to an unscheduled visit and/or use of antibiotics and/or oral corticosteroids) were collected at each visit.

Results

Of 466 included subjects 57% were female. Baseline mean±sd forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 58±17% predicted. High NLR (≥3.0) was more common in subjects with previous AECOPDs than in those without (33.5% versus 20.4%, p=0.002). In two-level mixed-effects logistic regression models adjusted for confounders, NLR as a continuous variable (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.38) and B-Eos ≥300 cells·µL⁻¹ (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.24) were associated with future AECOPDs. In 386 subjects with blood cell data available at all three visits, the intraclass correlation coefficient for NLR was 0.61 (95% CI 0.56–0.66) and for B-Eos 0.69 (95% CI 0.64–0.73). NLR was persistently ≥3.0 in 10.6% and B-Eos was persistently ≥300 cells·µL⁻¹ in 15.3%.

Conclusions

Stable phase NLR and B-Eos were associated with future AECOPDs. NLR on its own is probably not useful to predict AECOPDs but might be included in a risk scoring index. A minority of subjects with COPD had persistently elevated stable-phase NLR or B-Eos, and the biomarkers showed fair longitudinal reliability.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and blood eosinophils in stable-phase COPD are associated with future exacerbations and show fair longitudinal reliabilityhttps://bit.ly/3CAS1jY

Healthcare, Medication Utilization and Outcomes of Patients with COPD by GOLD Classification in England

Background

Available data on the relationship between COPD symptoms, disease outcomes, and mortality are currently limited. This study investigated the clinical characteristics, outcomes, healthcare utilization, and prescribing practices across GOLD 2017 groups (A, B, C, and D) in a large-scale, population-based cohort of COPD patients managed in an English primary care setting.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective analysis included patients aged ≥35 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD and ≥1 record of pulmonary function testing in their medical history. Medical Research Council dyspnea score and exacerbation history were used to define patients’ GOLD 2017 classification. Patients were identified using the UK Clinical Practice Research Database and were followed for 12 months.

Results

Eligible COPD patients’ (N=42,331; mean [SD] age, 69.5 [10.7] years; 54% males), GOLD 2017 categorizations were: Group A: 49.1%, Group B: 30.5%, Group C: 8.2%, Group D: 12.1%. Overall, 37.7% of patients experienced ≥1 moderate COPD exacerbation. The rate of moderate exacerbations per person per year (PPPY) was highest in GOLD group D (0.72), followed by C (0.53), B (0.22), and A (0.15), while the rate of exacerbations leading to hospitalization PPPY was much higher in D (0.27) than in B (0.10), C (0.08), or A (0.03). Overall, 56.4% of patients visited their general practitioner ≥5 times in the 12 months of follow-up. Time-to-event analysis suggested that breathlessness contributed to exacerbation severity and frequency. One-year mortality was highest in GOLD groups D and B. The most frequent prescribed maintenance therapies were inhaled corticosteroids with long-acting β₂-agonists, multiple-inhaler triple therapy, or long-acting muscarinic antagonist, irrespective of GOLD classification.

Conclusion

The burden of COPD remains substantial in England. Stratification of this large primary care population according to GOLD criteria predicted the risk of COPD exacerbations. Understanding populations of patients with COPD may enable the optimization of patient care.

Critical inhaler technique errors in Swedish patients with COPD: a cross-sectional study analysing video-recorded demonstrations

A correct use of inhaler devices is essential in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. Critical errors were studied by analysing 659 video-recorded demonstrations of inhaler technique from 364 COPD patients using six different inhaler device models. The majority of the included patients used two (55%) or more (20%) device models. Overall, 66% of the patients made ≥1 critical error with at least one device model. The corresponding numbers for patients using 1, 2 and ≥3 device models were 43%, 70% and 86%, respectively. The only factor associated with making ≥1 critical error was simultaneous use of two (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 3.17, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.81, 5.64) or three or more (aOR 8.97, 95% CI 3.93, 22.1) device models. In conclusion, the proportion of patients making critical errors in inhaler technique was substantial, particularly in those using several different device models. To obtain optimal COPD treatment, it is important to assess a patient’s inhaler technique and to minimise the number of inhaler device models.

A Prediction Equation to Assess Resting Energy Expenditure in Japanese Patients with COPD

Background: Medical nutrition therapy is important in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Determination of resting energy expenditure is essential to define therapeutic goals for medical nutrition. Previous studies proposed the use of equations to predict resting energy expenditure. No prediction equation is currently available for the Japanese population. The objective of this study was to develop an equation to predict resting energy expenditure in Japanese chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. To this end, we investigated clinical variables that correlate with the resting energy expenditure. Methods: This study included 102 COPD patients admitted at the Matsusaka Municipal Hospital Respiratory Center. We measured resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry and explored the relationship of resting energy expenditure with clinical variables by univariate and stepwise linear regression analysis. Results: The resting energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry was significantly correlated with fat-free mass, body weight, body mass index, height, gender, and pulmonary function test by univariate analysis. In the stepwise linear regression analysis, the fat-free mass, body weight, and age remained significantly correlated with indirect calorimetry’s resting energy expenditure. The fat-free mass, body weight, and age explained 50.5% of the resting energy expenditure variation. Conclusion: Fat-free mass, body weight, and age were significantly correlated with resting energy expenditure by stepwise linear regression analysis, and they were used to define a predictive equation for Japanese COPD patients.

Is group C really needed as a separate group from D in COPD? A single-center cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

GOLD 2017 report proposed that the combined COPD assessment should be done according only to symptom burden and exacerbation history in the previous year.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the change in the COPD groups after the GOLD 2017 revision and also to discuss the evaluation of group C and D as a single group after the GOLD 2019 report.

METHOD

The study was designed as a cross-sectional. 251 stable COPD patients admitted to our out-patient clinic; aged ≥40 years, at least one-year diagnosis of COPD and ≥10 pack-year smoking history were consecutively recruited for the study.

RESULTS

In GOLD 2017, a significant difference was found between the distribution of all groups compared to GOLD 2011 (P = 0,001). 31 patients included in group C were reclassified into group A and 37 patients in group D were reclassified into group B. The FEV₁ values of group A and B patients were significantly low and group C and D patients had had exacerbations in more frequently the previous year in GOLD 2017 compared to GOLD 2011.

CONCLUSION

After the GOLD 2017 revision, the rate of group C patients decreased even more compared to GOLD 2011 and the group C and D may be considered as a single group in terms of the treatment recommendations with the GOLD 2019 revision. We think that future prospective studies are needed to support this suggestion.

A Cross-Sectional Study Assessing Appropriateness Of Inhaled Corticosteroid Treatment In Primary And Secondary Care Patients With COPD In Sweden

Purpose

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are often more widely prescribed in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than what is recommended in the guidelines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of ICS treatment in COPD patients using the algorithm proposed by the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) and to identify factors associated with ICS treatment.

Patients and methods

Appropriateness of ICS therapy was studied with respect to concomitant asthma, history of exacerbations and blood eosinophils (B-Eos) in a Swedish cohort of primary and secondary care patients with COPD. Factors associated with ICS were investigated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Triple treatment was found to be the most common treatment combination, used by 46% of the 561 included patients, and in total 63% were using ICS. When applying the IPCRG algorithm, there was a possible indication for discontinuation of ICS in 55% of the patients with ICS treatment. Of the patients not using ICS, 18% had an indication for starting such treatment. The strongest factors associated with ICS therapy were frequent exacerbations (aOR 8.61, 95% CI 4.06, 20.67), secondary care contacts (aOR 6.99, 95% CI 2.48, 25.28) and very severe airflow limitation (aOR 5.91, 95% CI 1.53, 26.58).

Conclusion

More than half of the COPD patients on ICS met the criteria where withdrawal of the treatment could be tried. There was, however, also a subgroup of patients not using ICS for whom there was an indication for starting ICS treatment. Patients using ICS were characterized by more frequent exacerbations and lower lung function.

Subjective swallowing symptoms and related risk factors in COPD

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of subjective (i.e. self-reported) swallowing symptoms in a large cohort of patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to identify potential related risk factors.

Methods

A total of 571 patients with COPD, investigated in a stable phase, participated in this multicentre study (335 females, 236 males; mean age: 68.6 years (sd 7.7)). Data were derived from spirometry, a questionnaire and a 30-metre walking test.

Results

In total, 33% (n=186) patients reported at least some degree of swallowing problem. The most frequently reported symptom was food lodging in the throat (23%). A significant relationship was found between swallowing symptoms and dyspnoea, assessed as modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) ≥2 compared with <2 (46% versus 22%; p<0.001) and health-related quality of life, assessed as the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) ≥10 (40% versus 19%; p<0.001). Swallowing problems were also related to lower physical capacity (p=0.02) but not to lung function (p>0.28).

Conclusion

Subjective swallowing symptoms seem to be a common problem in patients with stable COPD. This problem is seen in all stages of the disease, but is more common in symptomatic patients and in patients with lower physical capacity.

Different Relationships between FENO and COPD Characteristics in Smokers and Ex-Smokers

Exhaled nitric oxide (F_ENO) is a marker of type-2 inflammation in asthma and is used in its management. However, smokers and ex-smokers have lower F_ENO values, and the clinical use of F_ENO values in COPD patients is unclear. Therefore, we investigated if F_ENO had a relationship to different COPD characteristics in smoking and ex-smoking subjects. Patients with COPD (n = 533, 58% females) were investigated while in stable condition. Measurements of F_ENO₅₀, blood cell counts, IgE sensitisation and lung function were performed. Medication reconciliation was used to establish medication usage. Smokers (n = 150) had lower F_ENO₅₀ 9 (8, 10) ppb (geometric mean, 95% confidence interval) than ex-smokers did (n = 383) 15 (14, 16) ppb, p < 0.001. F_ENO₅₀ was not associated with blood eosinophil or neutrophil levels in smokers, but in ex-smokers significant associations were found (r = 0.23, p < 0.001) and (r = -0.18, p = 0.001), respectively. Lower F_ENO values were associated with lower FEV₁% predicted in both smokers (r = 0.17, p = 0.040) and ex-smokers (r = 0.20, p < 0.001). Neither the smokers nor ex-smokers with reported asthma or IgE sensitisation were linked to an increase in F_ENO₅₀. Ex-smokers treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) had lower F_ENO₅₀ 14 (13, 15) ppb than non-treated ex-smokers 17 (15, 19) ppb, p = 0.024. This was not found in smokers (p = 0.325). F_ENO is associated with eosinophil inflammation and the use of ICS in ex-smoking COPD subjects, but not in smoking subjects suggesting that the value of F_ENO as an inflammatory marker is more limited in smoking subjects. The association found between low F_ENO values and low lung function requires further investigation.

New combined assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Utilization, pitfalls, and association with spirometry

Introduction

Classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) disease has changed from being solely based on spirometric variables to combined assessment including symptom scores and history of exacerbations/ hospitalizations. There is both lack of awareness regarding change in its assessment as well as underutilization due to time constraints and seeming complexity. Moreover, treatment of COPD needs to be tailored according to the new combined assessment.

Aims

Current study was planned to look at current stratification of patients according to new revised combined assessment (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease GOLD 2017) in comparison to old(GOLD 2011) as well as its incorporation in clinical practice. Co-relation between revised combined assessment and spirometric staging was also assessed.

Methods

418 consecutive COPD patients were enrolled, their dyspnea scores in terms of modified medical research council scale (mMRC), preceding history of hospitalization/ exacerbation over preceding one year and spirometric variables were recorded. Their stratification according to old and new classification recorded. Their past treatment records were reviewed and combined assessment if done recorded.

Results

Substantial shift of categories is seen from C and D respectively to stage A and B on applying the new classification compared to old i.e more severe to less severe. Secondly, revised combined assessment is still highly underutilized. Revised combined assessment has positive co-relation with spirometry and post bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second(FEV₁).

Conclusions

Management of substantial number of stable COPD patients may need to be stepped down in accordance with revised combined assessment. There is a need to disseminate information regarding change in COPD classification and stress on its incorporation in our day-to day clinical practice. Revised combined assessment has positive co-relation with spirometry, stressing its utility even in peripheral centers without spirometry facilities.

What is the impact of GOLD 2017 recommendations in primary care? - a descriptive study of patient classifications, treatment burden and costs

PURPOSE

The changes in grading of disease severity and treatment recommendations for patients with COPD in the 2017 GOLD strategy may present an opportunity for reducing treatment burden for the patients and costs to the health care system. The aim of this study was to assess the implications of the GOLD 2017 grading system in terms of change in distribution across GOLD groups A-D for existing patients in UK primary care and estimate the potential cost savings of implementing GOLD 2017 treatment recommendations in UK primary care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using electronic health record data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), patients aged ≥35 years with spirometry-confirmed COPD, receiving care during 2016, were included. The cohort was graded according to the GOLD 2017 groups (A-D), and treatment costs were calculated, according to corresponding recommendations, to observe the difference in actual vs predicted costs.

RESULTS

When applying GOLD 2013 criteria, less than half of the cohort (46%) was assigned to GOLD A or B, as compared to 86% when applying the GOLD 2017 grading. The actual mean annual maintenance treatment cost was £542 per patient vs a predicted £389 for treatment according to the 2017 GOLD strategy.

CONCLUSION

There is a potential to make significant cost savings by implementing the grading and treatment recommendations from the 2017 GOLD strategy.

Comparison of the clinical characteristics and comprehensive assessments of the 2011 and 2017 GOLD classifications for patients with COPD in China

Objective

Compared with the 2011 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), there have been significant changes in the 2017 GOLD classification. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in clinical characteristics of the new A-B-C-D system and to explore its role in comprehensive assessment of COPD.

Subjects and methods

A total of 631 stable COPD patients were included in a cross-sectional survey. Data collected included baseline data and pulmonary function testing results, respiratory muscle strength, symptoms and quality of life, exercise capacity, nutritional status, and anxiety and depression as a comprehensive assessment. Based on the 2011 GOLD and 2017 GOLD classifications, patients were divided into Groups A₁–D₁ and Groups A₂–D₂, respectively.

Results

In the 2011 GOLD, 64 subjects in Group C₁ were reclassified into Group A₂ (41.6%), while 77 subjects in Group D₁ were reclassified into Group B₂ (27.1%). The old and new grading systems were somewhat consistent (Cohen’s kappa=0.6963, P<0.001). Lung function was lower, while the body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity index (BODE index) was higher in Group A₂ than in Group A₁ (P<0.001). In Group B₂, lung function, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), and respiratory muscle strength were significantly lower than in Group B₁ (P<0.001), while the BODE index (P<0.001) was higher. In comprehensive assessment, subjects in Groups B₂ and D₂ had significantly lower lung function, 6MWD, respiratory muscle strength, quality of life, higher symptom scores, and BODE index than subjects in Group A₂ (P<0.001). The differences between Group A₂ and C₂ were small.

Conclusion

Compared with the 2011 GOLD, the 2017 GOLD reclassified more patients into Groups A and B, those with significantly worse lung function and higher BODE index. In the comprehensive assessment of the new classification, Groups B and D may have greater disease severity. However, the effectiveness of the new grading system in predicting patient prognosis, and its guidance on the use of drugs, remains to be explored in future studies.