Clinically meaningful outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

摘要: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic airflow limitation, gas exchange abnormalities, hyperinflation, and other pathophysiologic events. However, patients are usually unaware of these physical changes only seek medical attention when distressing symptoms, such as dyspnea exercise begin to appear. Therefore, it reasonable directly assess clinical areas importance the patient, both determinants impact process outcomes following intervention. Although many physiologic abnormalities COPD partially or poorly reversible with treatment, dyspnea, performance, health status often show impressive gains therapy. Incorporating clinically relevant outcome assessments complements traditional measurements provides clinician a yardstick determine whether particular intervention causing meaningful improvement in patient. This article discusses specific examples their applicability usefulness treating COPD.