Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the impact occurs earlier than we think.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical utilization characteristics of the "typical" patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of a large dataset of patients enrolled in a disease management program for COPD.


METHODS
Patients were 2129 individuals with a diagnosis of COPD. Information was collected at the time these individuals entered the National Jewish Medical and Research Center disease management program for COPD.


RESULTS
The data show that the typical stereotype of a COPD patient (ie, elderly and unemployed) may not apply to a large proportion of patients already diagnosed with COPD. Almost half (49.7%) were less than 65 years old. In addition, 46.1% were employed and missed an average of 4.6 days of work in the previous 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The cost of COPD to individuals and to society is increasing. Yet it is a potentially preventable and treatable disease. Early detection and intervention are essential.
Tinkelman
David
D
National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Corsello
Philip
P
D000368:Aged; D003710:Demography; D019468:Disease Management; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008329:Managed Care Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology