Comorbidities and the prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Underdiagnosis

“During the panel, we also spoke about the importance that as part of internal medicine we need to make an effort to reduce the underdiagnosis of chronic pulmonary disease and its comorbidities. Specialists in internal medicine need to become aware that this pathology is not only pulmonary, but also multisystemic, complex, heterogenous, and very variable even in the same patient,” said Dr. Sánchez Lora.

Dr. Alonso said, “Regarding the importance of diagnosis of this disease, we continue with an underdiagnosis greater than 70% for men and 80% for women. Secondly, we need to actively seek out the comorbidities associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, even taking advantage of the admission of these patients with exacerbations, which are undesired and common.

“Regarding ongoing trials, we have a study that started during the COVID-19 pandemic, ADEG-EPOC, that involves the adaptation to and impact of severe and very severe exacerbations in patients admitted to our departments,” the specialist indicated.

“In the group, we are also planning to publish an updated agreement, which we already made in 2014, on the most common and important comorbidities associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” The agreement discusses the 20 most important comorbidities. In addition, the 2023 Gold Guide, which appeared in November 2022, includes a new chapter on updated treatment and the latest developments.

In the last 5 years, Dr. Alonso has collaborated with Abbott, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, FAES, Ferrer, Fresenius Kabi, GSK, Nestlé, Novo Nordisk, Nutricia, and Menarini. Dr. Sánchez Lora has collaborated with AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, FAES, GSK, and Menarini.

This article was translated from the Medscape Spanish edition. A version of this article appeared on Medscape.com.