COPD: A New Diagnostic Paradigm.

Abstract

The disease we know as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues a circuitous journey in its definition, characterization and clinical course. The article by Lowe et al in this issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation expands our understanding of the diagnosis, progression and mortality of this heterogeneous group of disorders.1 The definition of COPD is expanded and a new diagnostic term is introduced – COPDGene® 2019. This perspective provides insights on the importance of this manuscript to clinicians, clinical researchers, and patients. Four questions are raised by this new definition of COPD: · Does COPDGene® 2019 differ from the current definition of COPD? · Is COPDGene® 2019 clinically important? · Are there opportunities for future research to improve the implementation and management of COPDGene® 2019? · How can clinicians employ COPDGene® 2019 in the management of their patients?