The Value of the Combined Assessment of COPD in Accurate Characterization of Stable COPD

There is evidence showing a tendency to upgrade COPD severity previously staged with spirometric-based GOLD (GOLD 1234) when using the new GOLD combined disease assessment (GOLD ABCD). The aim of our study was to compare the GOLD 1234 classification in a population of stable COPD patients with the GOLD ABCD classification to determine whether stable COPD was upgraded when using this new classification. After an observational study of a stable COPD cohort (n = 112), 61 patients (54.5%) had an increase in their COPD severity when moving from the old GOLD 1234 classification to the current GOLD ABCD assessment (p < 0.01). 42 patients (37.5%) had no change in severity of COPD. 9 patients COPD were assessed to be better on using GOLD ABCD. This study highlights previously missed high-risk patients when reviewing stable COPD. Continued incorporation of GOLD ABCD will translate into better evidence-based management.