New Classifications of COPD Severity Based on Impulse Oscillometry: A SAIO Grade Base on ECOPD Cohort in China

Arch Bronconeumol. 2024 Oct 22:S0300-2896(24)00408-3. doi: 10.1016/j.arbres.2024.10.005. Online ahead of print.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Background: Recently, the severities of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can also be assessed by impulse oscillometry (IOS). This study aimed to explore a new classification of severity of COPD based on IOS and associations with acute exacerbations (AE) in patients with COPD.

Methods: The data of our study were based on the baseline and 2-year follow-up data of a prospective cohort in China. COPD was defined as post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.70. A new severity classification (staging of airflow obstruction by IOS, SAIO) was evaluated based on IOS parameters (R5, R5-R20, and X5 z-scores). We quantified using the weighted Bangdiwala B for agreement of severities of COPD between IOS parameters and FEV1%pred. The differences among SAIO stages were performed in symptom scores and imaging using analysis of covariance, and in the AE using Poisson regression.

Results: Overall, 833 patients with COPD were included in this study. The weighted Bangdiwala B of R5, R5-R20, X5 z-scores, and FEV1%pred for evaluating agreement of the severities of COPD was 0.68, 0.70 and 0.83, respectively. The SAIO classifications system identified a greater number of patients with stage III-IV. SAIO provided significant discrimination between the stage I and stage III, IV for symptom scores, emphysema, and air trapping. SAIO provided significant discrimination between the stage I and other stages for AE.

Conclusions: The SAIO classifications provide discrimination between the stage I and stage III, IV for symptom scores, emphysema, air trapping, and AE, similar to the GOLD classifications.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900024643. Registered on 19 July, 2019.

Keywords: Acute exacerbations; Impulse oscillometry; Lung function decline; Severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.