[Identification of study populations in the clinical study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Surface-based or...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) has had a tremendous impact on the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. This article reviewed the evolution of the definition of COPD in GOLD and the change of its treatment strategy. In addition, in light of relevant clinical studies, the paper attempted to illustrate the importance of understanding the heterogeneous nature of COPD, and analyzed the possible consequences of ignoring this nature, including confusion with bronchial asthma caused by lung function as the "gold standard" and excessive use of inhaled glucocorticoids (ICS). It is suggested that in clinical practice, the essential characteristics of COPD patients should be clarified by collecting a variety of information in order to provide personalized treatment for patients' assessment, therapy and rehabilitation. At the same time, more basic and clinical research on COPD should be conducted, based on the nature of the disease, to explore new treatment methods.