Prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease according to BTS, ERS, GOLD and ATS Criteria in Relation to Doctor’s Diagnosis, Symptoms, Age, Gender, and Smoking Habits

Abstract

Background: Guidelines and standards for diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been presented by different national and international societies, but the spirometric criteria for COPD differ between guidelines. Objectives: To estimate prevalence of COPD using the guidelines of the British Thoracic Society (BTS), the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), and the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Further, to evaluate reported airway symptoms, contacts with health care providers, and physician diagnosis of COPD in relation to the respective criteria, and gender differences. Method: In 1992 a postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of adults aged 20–69 years, 4,851 (85%) out of 5,681 subjects responded. In 1994–1995 a random sample of the responders, 970 subjects, were invited to a structured interview and a lung function test; 666 (69%) participated. Results: The prevalence of COPD was 7.6, 14.0, 14.1, 12.2 and 34.1% according to BTS, ERS, GOLD, clinical ATS (with symptoms or physician diagnosis), and spirometric ATS criteria, respectively. Prevalent COPD was related to age, smoking habits and family history of obstructive airway disease but not to gender. Physician diagnosis of chronic bronchitis or emphysema was only reported by 16.3, 12.2, 11.0, 23.4 and 8.2% of subjects fulfilling the respective criteria, though a majority reported airway symptoms. Conclusion: The main determinants for prevalent COPD were age, smoking habits and spirometric criteria of COPD. Though a majority reported airway symptoms and contact with health care providers due to respiratory complaints, only a minority was diagnosed as having COPD, indicating a large underdiagnosis.

Subdiagnóstico de DPOC na atenção primária em Aparecida de Goiânia, Goiás

“…(1,2) Several studies have shown that the proportion of COPD cases tends to increase with age. (7)(8)(9) For statistical analysis, we used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 15 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), logistic regression analysis being performed and ORs being calculated. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.…”

Comparison of correct technique and preference for Spiromax®, Easyhaler® and Turbuhaler®: a single-site, single-visit, crossover study in inhaler-naïve adult volunteers

“…In Sweden, asthma occurs in approximately 8–10% of the population [2]. According to various diagnostic criteria, another Swedish study found that COPD occurred in 8% (British Thoracic Society criteria), 14% (ERS or Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] criteria), or 12% (American Thoracic Society clinical criteria) of the population [3]. …”

Population-Based Study on the Prevalence of Spirometric Obstructive Pattern in Porto, Portugal

“…As there is a normal age-related decline of lung function, 27 using a fixed FEV 1 /FVC threshold of 70%, although it is a pragmatic approach, may lead to over-diagnosis of COPD in the elderly. 15,[28][29][30] According to some authors, post-bronchodilator GOLD stage II is a practical threshold for identifying clinically relevant disease. 31 Given the fact that, in our sample, the majority of participants had moderate or higher obstruction, it is unlikely that prevalence of obstructive pattern was overestimated due to misclassification of healthy elderly individuals as having obstruction.…”