Aims: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of COPD in a primary care population participating in a spirometry program. Differences between newly and previously diagnosed COPD patients were identified.Methods: A spirometry program was conducted in 15 primary care centres. Visitors aged over 30 years who were willing to perform spirometry were included in this program.Results: A total of 1,526 subjects provided acceptable spirometries. COPD prevalence in our population was 18.4%, of whom 69.0% were newly diagnosed. Most patients were classified as GOLD stages I and II (26.0% and 54.0%, respectively). COPD diagnosis was related to gender (men), age (older subjects), history of repeated respiratory infection in childhood, smoking (>10 pack-years) and presence of symptoms (cough, dyspnoea, wheezing). Variables related to newly diagnosed COPD were younger age and absence of chronic cough. Conclusions:A primary care spirometry program may identify a large proportion of undiagnosed COPD patients especially in the early stages of the disease. Newly diagnosed COPD patients were of younger age and presented with less symptoms. These results support the need for spirometry programs in primary care for early COPD detection.

Our findings suggest that leptin, adiponectin, and ghrelin may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma during both stable state and asthma exacerbation, independent of obesity.

BackgroundIn Greece there is lack of large epidemiological studies regarding morbidity and mortality in primary health care. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and morbidity of the most common diseases in a large population sample from primary health care.MethodsFour primary health centres were randomly selected. During one year period, 12 visits were performed in each centre, one per month, in random order and all visitors willing to participate in the study were included. Data on morbidity of each subject were recorded after performing an interview with the participant and checking his medical records, medical history and current medication. Diseases were coded using the international classification of primary care (ICPC) system.ResultsIn total 20,299 subjects were recorded. The results revealed significant variations in morbidity between genders and age groups. However, in all age groups, diseases of the circulatory system were most prevalent, followed by endocrine, metabolic, musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases. Osteoporosis was significantly more prevalent in females compared to males, whereas skin and eye disorders were more prevalent in subjects below 65 years old. COPD prevalence was very low compared to worldwide data.ConclusionsThe present study revealed great variations in the prevalence of the diseases between genders and age groups. Our data justify the urgent need for the development of electronic health records that may help in the design of new prevention strategies in primary health care.