Confirmation of COPD diagnosis with spirometry is increasing- a comparison of two Swedish cohorts from 2005 and 2014

05 May 2022
Clinical Research Results Abstract Introduction: Spirometry should always be used to confirm a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim was to investigate if the proportion with diagnostic spirometry performed among patients with COPD has increased over time and if the spirometry results are correctly interpreted.Methods: Cohort study using data from a questionnaire and review of medical records of patients diagnosed with COPD 2004-2010. Patients were randomly selected from primary and secondary care in 2014. Proportion of patients who performed diagnostic spirometry and with correctly interpreted spirometry results (forced expiratory volume in one second by forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) below 0.7) were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with having a non-spirometry verified diagnosis of COPD and having a diagnosis in spite of a FEV1/FVC>0.7. Results were compared with data from another COPD cohort from the same health care units during 2000-2003. Results: 703 patients had a first diagnosis of COPD between 2004 and 2010, with 53% women and 83% assessed in primary care. Diagnostic spirometry was performed in 88% of patients, compared with 59% in the earlier cohort (p<0.001). Patient-related factors independently associated with not having diagnostic spirometry were current smoking (OR 2.21; 95% CI 1.36-3.60), low educational level (1.81; 1.09-3.02) and being managed in primary care (2.28 ;1.02-5.14). In 17%, the diagnostic spirometry had an incorrect interpretation of the result (FEV1/FVC >0.7). This was more common in women than in men, adjusted OR male sex; 0.12 (0.05-0.27).Discussion: The use of spirometry to confirm COPD diagnosis has increased over time, indicating improved implementations of COPD guidelines. There is still a need for continuing medical educational activities to increase diagnostic accuracy. Research Idea Abstract Service Development & Evaluation Abstract Declaration of Interest None of the authors declare any declaration of interest. References and Clinical Trial Registry Information

Resource information

Respiratory conditions
  • COPD
Type of resource
Abstract
Conference
Malaga 2022
Author(s)
Åsa Athlin, Region Örebro Län, Capio vårdcentral Lekeberg