Abstract
Since the publication of the new GOLD proposal for the assessment of COPD, four studies have used existing cohorts to explore the characteristics, temporal variability and/or relationship with outcomes of the four resulting patient categories (A, B, C, D).
Here, we compare their results and address a number of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the topic.
The most salient findings were that: (1) the prevalence of these four groups depends on the specific population studied, being C the less prevalent one; (2) comorbidities are particularly prevalent in the two “high symptom” groups (B and D); (3) patients classified as A or D tend to remain in the same group over time, whereas those classified as B or C change substantially during follow-up; (4) mortality at three years was lowest in A and worse in D but surprisingly similar (and intermediate) in B and C; and, (5) the incidence of exacerbations during follow up increases progressively from A to D, but that of hospitalizations behave similarly to mortality.
These results identify several strengths and shortcomings of the new GOLD assessment proposal, particularly that Group B is associated with more morbidity and high mortality.
- Assessment
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- management
- outcomes
- pharmacology
- therapeutic strategy
- ERS