5 New Things about COPD
Identifying risk, a promising mortality biomarker, and a new app for study recruitment-just a few of the latest developments in COPD research and patient care.
Chronic lower respiratory diseases were ranked as the third leading cause of death in the United States for 2010-the latest period for which data are available from the CDC.
Use Primary Care Data to Identify Risk:
Routinely available computerized primary care data may be used to identify patients at risk for COPD exacerbation. A clinically-based model retained 11 variables that significantly predicted 2 or more exacerbations. Significant predictors not previously identified: eosinophilia and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score.
More information, here.
CAT Improves Predictive Value:
Researchers investigated the prognostic value of health-related quality-of-life questionnaires to predict a composite event. The predictive value of previous exacerbations increased significantly in only 1 of the 4 trialed questionnaires-the COPD Assessment Test (CAT).
More information, here.
Biomarker of Early Mortality:
Because patients with COPD are at high risk for early death, identifying prognostic biomarkers may improve survival. A biomarker of early mortality that shows promise: hyperuricemia.
More information, here.
Corticosteroids & Bronchodilators Lower Death Risk:
Adding inhaled corticosteroids to long-acting bronchodilators was found to have a beneficial effect on mortality in patients with COPD. The advantage is much more pronounced in patients with frequent exacerbations.
More information, here.
StopCOPD App for Research Recruitment:
A new tool, the StopCOPD app, enables patients to participate in the COPD Patient-Powered Research Network, a lung health research study. The goal is to enroll more than 75,000 patients who have agreed to share their health information.
More information, here.
More than 50% of adults with low pulmonary function were not aware they had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), says the CDC. November was COPD awareness month. Here we bring you a brief roundup of the latest developments in COPD research and patient care. Â
References:
⺠Use Primary Care Data to Identify Risk
⺠CAT Improves Predictive Value
⺠Biomarker of Early Mortality
⺠Corticosteroids & Bronchodilators Lower Death Risk
⺠StopCOPD App for Research Recruitment
