Underdiagnosis of obstructive lung disease: findings from the French CONSTANCES cohort

Abstract Background The burden of undiagnosed obstructive lung disease (OLD) (mainly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is not fully established, and targets for corrective action are yet to be identified. We assessed the underdiagnosis of OLD and its determinants in France. Methods CONSTANCES is a French population-based cohort of adults aged 18–69 years at inception. We analysed data collected at inclusion in 2013–2014. Undiagnosed OLD was defined as spirometry-confirmed airflow limitation (FEV1/FVC < lower limit of normal) without prior diagnosis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or bronchiectasis. Multivariate analysis was performed with weighted robust Poisson regression models to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of undiagnosed OLD. Results Spirometry results were available for 19,398 participants. The prevalence of airflow limitation was 4.6%. Overall, 64.4% of adults with airflow limitation did not report a previous diagnosis of OLD. Individuals with high cumulative tobacco consumption (≥ 10 pack-years) (aPR: 1.72 [1.28–2.32]), without respiratory symptoms (aPR: 1.51 [1.28–1.78]), and with preserved lung function (aPR: 1.21 [1.04–1.41] for a 10-point increase in FEV1% predicted) had a higher risk of being undiagnosed. Half of symptomatic individuals with airflow limitation (45% of those with moderate to severe airflow limitation) were undiagnosed with OLD. Conclusion Underdiagnosis of OLD is very common among French adults, even in patients with respiratory symptoms. Efforts should be made in France to raise awareness about OLD in the general population, improve the detection of respiratory symptoms, and increase the use of spirometry among primary care professionals.

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Evaluation of Post-Bronchodilator Reversibility in Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma

Nepal Medical College Journal ◽

10.3126/nmcj.v22i4.34185 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 223-227

Author(s):

Krishna Chandra Devkota ◽

S Hamal ◽

PP Pant

Keyword(s):

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Lung Disease ◽

Pulmonary Disease ◽

Obstructive Lung Disease ◽

College Teaching ◽

Airflow Limitation ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Recurrent Wheezing ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Copd Patients

Obstructive lung disease is a group of disorders comprising Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. It is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. COPD is a preventable and treatable disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, whereas asthma is reversible episodes of recurrent wheezing, cough, breathlessness, and chest tightness. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish COPD from asthma when COPD patients present with significant post-bronchodilator reversibility. Spirometry is the gold standard test to diagnose obstructive airway disease. We carried out a hospital-based cross-sectional study in Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital from January 2018 to December 2018. One hundred and ninety eight patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent spirometry. Basal and post-bronchodilator FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and reversibility of FEV1 were measured. The majority of the patients enrolled in the study were males (n=100). The mean age of the patients was 49.3±17.0 years. Most of the patients were above 60 years of age (n=68). Clinical diagnosis of asthma was made in 113 (57%) and COPD in 85 (43%) patients. Post-bronchodilator reversibility was observed in 48 (42%) asthmatic and 19 (22%) COPD patients. Post-bronchodilator reversibility was statistically significant in asthmatic patients (p=0.032). Post-bronchodilator reversibility was observed in COPD patients as well. Therefore, post-bronchodilator reversibility alone may have a limited role in differentiating COPD from bronchial asthma. However, spirometry is mandatory to diagnose a patient with obstructive lung disease.

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