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.
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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
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrj.2006.08.009
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