A groundbreaking observational study utilizing the APEX COPD Registry has unveiled significant new insight into the prevalence of Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm) among US primary care patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The findings reveal that approximately one in four patients with clinically diagnosed COPD meet the spirometric criteria for PRISm, highlighting a population that often experiences substantial respiratory symptoms despite not fitting the conventional COPD obstruction criteria.
Conducted as part of the APEX COPD registry, this study analyzed data from patients aged 35 and older who have been diagnosed with COPD. The study aimed to characterize the US primary care PRISm patient population, particularly focusing on its prevalence and associated clinical features, including CT scan characteristics and the burden of respiratory symptoms.
Despite not meeting the traditional spirometric definitions for COPD, patients categorized with PRISm were found to exhibit significant rates of emphysema on CT imaging and a high burden of respiratory symptoms that may indicate a need for tailored respiratory management strategies.
Our findings underscore the importance of recognizing PRISm as a significant subgroup within the COPD population in primary care, potentially as an identifier for early COPD intervention. These patients experience considerable respiratory distress and may benefit from earlier, more targeted clinical interventions, to slow down disease progression prior to measurable lung function decline and alleviate the high symptom burden they experience.
Clinical professionals can use a broader and more diverse approach to diagnosing COPD when spirometry results are unclear. Additional tests are necessary to support clinician decision-making and are essential for elucidating the diagnosis and treatment of COPD in situations where spirometry alone may not yield a definitive diagnosis.
The implications of this research are critical, as it raises awareness about the need for more comprehensive assessment and management strategies for patients with COPD in primary care settings.
To learn more about the study, please read the full publication in the Pragmatic and Observational Research.
About APEX COPD Registry
The APEX COPD registry is a pivotal resource aimed at improving the understanding of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease through comprehensive data collection. It serves as a platform for research and collaboration, enabling healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care for patients with COPD. APEX COPD was established and maintained by Optimum Patient Care (OPC) Global Limited, and research was conducted by the Observational & Pragmatic Research Institute Pte Ltd (OPRI).