Abstract
Aims:
To investigate the impact of definition on the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations in primary care.
Methods:
In a one-year prospective, observational study, data from diary cards were used to determine the incidence of symptom- and healthcare-defined exacerbations. One hundred and twenty seven patients completed =80% of days in the diary card and were included in the analysis.
Results:
Incidence of COPD exacerbation varied according to definition. Mean yearly rates were 2.3 for symptom- and 2.8 for healthcare-defined exacerbations. Although patients with FEV1 < 50% had a higher mean yearly rate of healthcare-defined exacerbations than those with FEV1 = 50% (3.2 vs 2.3; p = 0.003), patients with less severe disease reported recurrent exacerbations. There was limited agreement between symptom- and healthcare-defined exacerbations.
Conclusion:
Lung function does not appear to be a valid criterion for assigning COPD management directed at patients with recurrent exacerbation.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
O'Reilly, J., Williams, A., Holt, K. et al. Defining COPD exacerbations: impact on estimation of incidence and burden in primary care. Prim Care Respir J 15, 346–353 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2006.08.009
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2006.08.009
This article is cited by
-
Effect of timing of bronchodilator therapy initiation on exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a retrospective cohort study
Respiratory Research (2022)
-
Budesonide, fluticasone propionate, and azithromycin do not modulate the membrane vesicle release by THP-1 macrophages and respiratory pathogens during macrophage infection
Inflammopharmacology (2017)
-
When should acute exacerbations of COPD be treated with systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics in primary care: a systematic review of current COPD guidelines
npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine (2015)
-
Patterns and determinants of COPD-related healthcare utilization by severity of airway obstruction in Korea
BMC Pulmonary Medicine (2014)
-
The Effect of Quitting Smoking on Costs and Healthcare Utilization in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Comparison of Current Smokers Versus Ex-Smokers in Routine Clinical Practice
Lung (2014)
