Body mass index, airflow obstruction and dyspnea and body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea scores, age and pack years-predictive properties of new multidimensional prognostic indices of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care.

Background: The assessment of the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should involve a multidimensional approach that is now clearly shown to be better than using spirometric impairment alone. The aim of this study is to validate and compare novel tools without an exercise test and to extend prognostic value to patients with less severe impairment of Forced expiratory volume 1 s.

Methods: A prospective, observational, primary care cohort study identified 458 eligible patients recruited from the primary care clinics in the northeast of England in 1999-2002.

Precision in Diagnosing and Classifying COPD: Comparison of Historical Height with Current Height and Arm Span to Predict FEV(1).

Background: Measured reductions in lung function, as a result of COPD, use a measured current value and make comparisons to a determined 'normal' value arrived at using a regression equation based upon a patients height. Osteoporosis is a recognised co-morbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and may cause excessive height loss resulting in the 'normal' values and disease progression being under-estimated.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the height variation in a cohort of COPD patients and controls over a 7-8 years period and evaluate its impact on estimates of lung function and hence COPD progression.

The composition of PM10 as collected by a conventional TEOM, a modified TEOM and a Partisol gravimetric monitor at a kerbside site in the North East of England.

The composition of airborne particulate matter sampled by a conventional TEOM, an experimental modified TEOM, operated at a lower temperature but fitted with a drier to remove moisture and a Partisol, installed at a kerbside site in the North East of England, has been investigated. The results indicate that there is a seasonal variation in the composition of PM(10) as sampled by the three monitors, with chloride concentration being significantly higher in the winter. The Partisol was found to sample a higher mass of chloride and nitrate, however the differences between the monitors was only significant for chloride.

Interpretation of roadside PM10 monitoring data from Sunderland, United Kingdom.

Roadside PM10 has been monitored by Partisol at three sites in Sunderland between August 1997 and February 1998. The sites chosen were an inner city kerbside site; a roadside site adjacent to a dual carriageway on the outskirts of Sunderland with an open aspect; and a rural site. The results indicate that there is a seasonal variation in the relationship between the sites in terms of monitored PM10.