title: Validation of the respiratory toxics exposure score (RTES) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease screening.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our aim is to evaluate the validity of exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) and of a newly-created score as markers of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
  
  
  METHODS
  The CO level was measured in a derivation subsample of a cross-sectional study and linked to COPD diagnosis; its predictors were evaluated, and a scale was constructed. It was evaluated in a validation subsample and in a clinical setting.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Individuals with COPD had higher CO levels than healthy individuals. CO level significant predictors were cigarettes per day, waterpipes per week, lower age, male gender, living close to diesel exhaust, heating home with the use of diesel, and having indoor family smokers. A score composed of CO predictors was able to significantly predict COPD (Ora = 4-7.5).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Coupled with the clinical judgment of physicians, this scale would be an excellent low-cost tool for screening COPD, in absence of spirometry.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon. psalameh@ul.edu.lb
authors.forename: Pascale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salameh
authors.forename: Georges
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Khayat
authors.forename: Mirna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Waked
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D015415:Biomarkers; D001944:Breath Tests; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000032:analysis*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D015415:Biomarkers; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D002248:Carbon Monoxide