History of the classification of COPD

Posted 28 June, 2010 - 04:22 by steve

Classification of severity of airflow obstruction (when post-bronchodilator ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) is <0.7)

FEV1 (% predicted) NICE 20044 ATS/ERS 20047 GOLD 20086 NICE 20104
>=80 Not classified Mild Stage 1: Mild Stage 1: Mild*
50-79 Mild Moderate Stage 2: Moderate Stage 2: Moderate
30-49 Moderate Severe Stage 3: Severe Stage 3: Severe
<30 Severe Very severe Stage 4: Very severe Stage 4: Very severe

*Symptoms should be present to diagnose COPD in people with mild airflow obstruction.

Or when FEV1 <50% is accompanied by respiratory failure.

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/340/jun25_1/c3134