title: Understanding the GOLD 2011 Strategy as applied to a real-world COPD population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this analysis was to understand the implications of the GOLD 2011 multidimensional system for the assessment and management of COPD, using data from a real-world observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were drawn from the Adelphi Respiratory Disease Specific Programme, a cross-sectional survey of consulting patients in five European countries and in the U.S. undertaken between June and September 2011. Patients were classified using both the GOLD 2010 and revised GOLD 2011 criteria, and profiled with regards to demographics, disease characteristics and treatment patterns.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Information on 3813 COPD patients was collected. Disease characteristics showed a general tendency to worsen in parallel with worsening of symptoms. When comparing dual versus single risk criteria, the inclusion of exacerbation history resulted in an increase in the number of patients in high risk groups. The highest proportions of patients receiving inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were in group D. However, a considerable proportion of patients in low risk groups were receiving ICS/long-acting β2 agonists.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our analysis confirmed the relationship between higher symptomatic burden, increased airflow limitation and exacerbation, and further illustrated the importance of including exacerbation history in the assessment of COPD to identify patients at high risk. As based on data from current clinical practice, this study also highlighted the frequent and potentially inappropriate use of ICS and bronchodilators in patients at low risk of experiencing exacerbations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Medicine J, Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University Hospital South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, NIHR South Manchester Respiratory and Allergy Clinical Research Facility, Manchester, UK. Electronic address: Jorgen.Vestbo@manchester.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Jørgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vestbo
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg, Marburg, Germany. Electronic address: claus.vogelmeier@med.uni-marburg.de.
authors.forename: Claus
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vogelmeier
authors.affiliation: Adelphi Real World, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 5JB, UK. Electronic address: Mark.Small@adelphigroup.com.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Small
authors.affiliation: Adelphi Real World, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 5JB, UK. Electronic address: Victoria.Higgins@adelphigroup.com.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Higgins
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000368:Aged; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013147:Spirometry / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D058666:Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids
keywords: Bronchodilators; COPD; Comorbidities; Exacerbations; GOLD document; Inhaled corticosteroids