Geographic distribution of COPD prevalence in the world displayed by Geographic Information System maps

Abstract

Existing data on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence are irregularly distributed around the world, and in many geographic regions data are scarce or even nonexistent. This fact hinders the implementation of adequate preventive and therapeutic interventions to reduce the high burden and costs of COPD [1]. In the current study, we have used the Geographic Information System (GIS) inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation technique with the objective of visualising spatial data of COPD prevalence in the world and obtaining a visual impression of the magnitude of this global health problem. GIS has been recognised as an effective tool to display the geographical distribution of data, even when they are few and widely separated, as is the case with the prevalence of COPD [2-4].

Prevalence of α1-antitrypsin PiZZ genotypes in patients with COPD in Europe: a systematic review

“…The authors used data from three recent systematic reviews published by their group to select European countries with reliable data on the prevalence of both PiZZ deficiency and COPD [17][18][19]. The selection criteria and the characteristics of 75 603 PiZZ individuals from 90 European samples are described in detail in the study by BLANCO et al [17], and this publication provides a link to supplementary material that includes all the references analysed.…”

“…The selection criteria and the characteristics of 75 603 PiZZ individuals from 90 European samples are described in detail in the study by BLANCO et al [17], and this publication provides a link to supplementary material that includes all the references analysed. In addition, the COPD point prevalence and characteristics of the samples provided by 62 selected epidemiological studies from European countries are described in detail in another study by BLANCO et al [19]. With this methodology, 20 out of the 50 sovereign European countries were selected.…”

“…4) The calculated number and 95% CI of the PiZZ individuals aged ⩾40 years, resulting from the application of a conversion factor of genetic penetrance of 60% [2]. 5) The estimated number of individuals with COPD, with their corresponding 95% CI, aged ⩾40 years, applying the following reported values of COPD prevalence: 11.5% (95% CI 8.8-14.1%), 14.1% (95% CI 10.4-17.9%), 10.8% (95% CI 7.8-13.8%) and 14.2% (95% CI 8.8-19.6%) for Northern, Central, Southern and Western Europe, respectively [18,19]. 6) The PiZZ/COPD ratio, which was calculated by dividing the total number of PiZZ individuals at high risk (i.e.…”

The relationship between body mass index and health-related quality of life in COPD: real-world evidence based on claims and survey data

“…Despite being half as common as the most prevalent lung disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with eight times higher mortality [ 1 ] and affects around 13.1% of humans worldwide [ 2 ]. COPD is associated with reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [ 3 ].…”

Association between serum adiponectin concentrations and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis

“…Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of mortality throughout the world [1]. The overall prevalence of spirometry-defined COPD was 8.6%, accounting for 99.9 million people with COPD in China [2].…”