Is group C really needed as a separate group from D in COPD? A single-center cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: GOLD 2017 report proposed that the combined COPD assessment should be done according only to symptom burden and exacerbation history in the previous year.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the change in the COPD groups after the GOLD 2017 revision and also to discuss the evaluation of group C and D as a single group after the GOLD 2019 report.

Method: The study was designed as a cross-sectional. 251 stable COPD patients admitted to our out-patient clinic; aged ...40 years, at least one-year diagnosis of COPD and ...10 pack-year smoking history were consecutively recruited for the study.

Results: In GOLD 2017, a significant difference was found between the distribution of all groups compared to GOLD 2011 (P...=...0,001). 31 patients included in group C were reclassified into group A and 37 patients in group D were reclassified into group B. The FEV₁ values of group A and B patients were significantly low and group C and D patients had had exacerbations in more frequently the previous year in GOLD 2017 compared to GOLD 2011.

Conclusion: After the GOLD 2017 revision, the rate of group C patients decreased even more compared to GOLD 2011 and the group C and D may be considered as a single group in terms of the treatment recommendations with the GOLD 2019 revision. We think that future prospective studies are needed to support this suggestion.

Keywords: ABCD classi...cation; COPD; FEV(1); GOLD 2017; GOLD 2019; Group C.