Diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians

Ann Intern Med. 2007 Nov 6;147(9):633-8.

Abstract

RECOMMENDATION 1: In patients with respiratory symptoms, particularly dyspnea, spirometry should be performed to diagnose airflow obstruction. Spirometry should not be used to screen for airflow obstruction in asymptomatic individuals. (Grade: strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.) RECOMMENDATION 2: Treatment for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be reserved for patients who have respiratory symptoms and FEV1 less than 60% predicted, as documented by spirometry. (Grade: strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.) RECOMMENDATION 3: Clinicians should prescribe 1 of the following maintenance monotherapies for symptomatic patients with COPD and FEV1 less than 60% predicted: long-acting inhaled beta-agonists, long-acting inhaled anticholinergics, or inhaled corticosteroids. (Grade: strong recommendation, high-quality evidence.) RECOMMENDATION 4: Clinicians may consider combination inhaled therapies for symptomatic patients with COPD and FEV1 less than 60% predicted. (Grade: weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.) RECOMMENDATION 5: Clinicians should prescribe oxygen therapy in patients with COPD and resting hypoxemia (Pao2 < or =55 mm Hg). (Grade: strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.) RECOMMENDATION 6: Clinicians should consider prescribing pulmonary rehabilitation in symptomatic individuals with COPD who have an FEV1 less than 50% predicted. (Grade: weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.).

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diagnosis*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / drug therapy*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / mortality
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / physiopathology
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 / therapeutic use
  • Spirometry

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists
  • Cholinergic Antagonists
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2