The Effect of a Post-Bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC < 0.7 on COPD Diagnosis and Treatment: A Regression Discontinuity Design.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines recommend the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) only in patients with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV₁/FVC) less than 0.7. However the impact of this recommendation on clinical practice is unknown.

Research question

What is the effect of a documented post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC < 0.7 on the diagnosis and treatment of COPD?

Study design and methods

We used a national electronic health record database to identify clinical encounters between 2007 to 2022 with patients 18 years of age and older in which a post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC value was documented. An encounter wa

SUBMITTER: Moffett AT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11326314 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature