COPD surveillance--United States, 1999-2011

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a significant public health concern in the United States.
• Surveillance data is crucial for understanding trends in COPD prevalence, healthcare utilization, and mortality.
• Previous reports have highlighted the burden of COPD, necessitating updated analyses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze national surveillance data on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the United States from 1999 to 2011.
• To identify trends in COPD prevalence, physician office visits, emergency department visits, hospital discharges, and mortality.
• To examine demographic and geographic variations in COPD-related outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national data systems for adults aged 25 years and older from 1999 to 2011.
• Inclusion of data on diagnosed COPD prevalence, healthcare visits, hospital discharges, and deaths.
• Age-adjusted rates were calculated to account for population changes over time.

Main Results:

• In 2011, 6.5% of US adults (13.7 million) reported a COPD diagnosis. The overall age-adjusted prevalence of diagnosed COPD declined from 1999 to 2011 (P=.019).
• While physician office and ED visits showed no significant trend, age-adjusted hospital discharge rates for COPD declined significantly (P=.001). Medicare claims also decreased.
• The overall age-adjusted COPD death rate remained stable, but significant variations were observed across age groups, genders, and racial/ethnic minorities. Geographic clustering was noted.

Conclusions:

• Declines in age-adjusted COPD prevalence and hospitalizations since 1999 indicate potential progress in prevention and management strategies.
• Variations in mortality rates highlight specific populations disproportionately affected by COPD.
• Continued surveillance and targeted interventions are necessary to address the persistent burden of COPD.