The use of COPD maintenance therapy following spirometry in General Practice.
BACKGROUND
Several studies have shown that the use of pulmonary medication is widespread and often initiated without initial spirometry. Early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by spirometry in General Practice is essential for an early and correct implementation of medical treatment.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of regular therapy following diagnostic spirometry for COPD in General Practice from February 2008 to February 2009.


METHODS
Spirometry data and results were linked through Statistics Denmark with information from the Register of Medicinal Product Statistics using the unique personal identification code. Data were analysed to evaluate the impact of screening on use of regular COPD therapy. Primary outcome was initiation of regular therapy following COPD diagnosis with spirometry.


RESULTS
In a population of 3,376 individuals at risk, 1,458 underwent spirometric assessment with 631 being diagnosed with COPD; 110 of those received regular therapy before assessment with this figure increasing to 161 after spirometry. Of 827 participants not receiving a COPD diagnosis, 36 received regular therapy prior to assessment and 42 received regular therapy after spirometry despite no established COPD diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a significant chance of receiving regular therapy after being diagnosed with COPD. However, a large proportion of subjects diagnosed with COPD did not receive regular therapy following diagnosis. Efforts should be made to ensure correct diagnosis and correct medical treatment according to guidelines in individuals with COPD.
Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Vibeke
V
Gottlieb
Research Unit for Chronic Conditions, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Anne Marie
AM
Lyngsø
Institute of Preventive Medicine, Frederiksberg University Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Ditte
D
Sæbye
Research Unit for Chronic Conditions, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Anne
A
Frølich
Respiratory Research Unit, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Vibeke
V
Backer
COPD; screening; treatment