The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test improves the predictive value of previous exacerbations for poor outcomes in COPD.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations have a negative impact on the quality of life of patients and the evolution of the disease. We have investigated the prognostic value of several health-related quality of life questionnaires to predict the appearance of a composite event (new ambulatory or emergency exacerbation, hospitalization, or death) over a 1-year follow-up.

Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study.

Course of COPD assessment test (CAT) and clinical COPD questionnaire (CCQ) scores during recovery from exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Introduction: COPD exacerbations have a negative impact on lung function, decrease quality of life (QoL) and increase the risk of death. The objective of this study was to assess the course of health status after an outpatient or inpatient exacerbation in patients with COPD.

Methods: This is an epidemiological, prospective, multicentre study that was conducted in 79 hospitals and primary care centres in Spain.

Variability of respiratory symptoms in severe COPD.

Introduction: While it is known that asthma symptoms have a very variable pattern, the general belief is that the respiratory symptoms in COPD patients usually present little or no variability. Nevertheless, COPD patients report having "bad days". The objective of this present study was to evaluate the variability of the respiratory symptoms and their impact on the daily activities of a cohort of Spanish COPD patients.