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Instability in the COPD diagnosis upon repeat testing vary with the definition of COPD
Rogelio Perez-Padilla1, Fernando C Wehrmeister2, Maria Montes de Oca3
1Sleep Clinic, National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Mexico City, Mexico.
Background:
A low FEV1/FVC from post-bronchodilator spirometry is required to diagnose COPD. Both the FEV1 and the FVC can vary over time; therefore, individuals can be given a diagnosis of mild COPD at one visit, but have normal spirometry during the next appointment, even without an intervention.
Methods:
We analyzed two population-based surveys of adults with spirometry carried out for the same individuals 5-9 years after their baseline examination. We determined the factors associated with a change in the spirometry interpretation from one exam to the next utilizing different criteria commonly used to diagnose COPD.
Results:
The rate of an inconsistent diagnosis of mild COPD was 11.7% using FEV1/FVC <0.70, 5.9% using FEV1/FEV6
Conclusions:
Using FEV1/FEV6
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