Developing COPD: a 25 year follow up study of the general population

• DOI: 10.1136/thx.2006.062802
• Publication Date: 2006-10-27T18:49:05Z
• Authors: A Lokke; P Lange; H Scharling; P Fabricius; J Vestbo
• Keywords: Obstructive lung disease

Smokers are more prone to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than non-smokers, but this finding comes from studies spanning 10 years or less. The aim of study was determine the 25 year absolute risk developing COPD in men and women general population.As part Copenhagen City Heart Study, 8045 aged 30-60 with normal lung function at baseline were followed for years. Lung measurements collected mortality during observation period analysed.The percentage ranged 96% never smokers 59% continuous smokers; proportions 91% 69%, respectively. incidence moderate severe 20.7% 3.6%, respectively, no apparent difference between women. Smoking cessation, especially early follow up period, decreased substantially compared smoking. During there 2912 deaths, 109 which COPD. 92% deaths occurred subjects who current beginning period.The among is least 25%, larger previously estimated.