<p>CAT Score and SGRQ Definitions of Chronic Bronchitis as an Alternative to the Classical Definition</p>

Abstract

Purpose: Previous studies have used various definitions to classify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients into chronic bronchitis (CB) and non-CB patients. This study was performed to identify differences among three definitions of CB based on the classical method, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and the CAT (COPD Assessment Test) score. Patients and methods: We extracted data from the multicenter Korea COPD Subgroup Study (KOCOSS) cohort, for which patients recruited from among 47 medical centers in South Korea beginning in April 2012. Patients were classified according to three different definitions of CB: 1) classical definition; 2) SGRQ (using questions regarding cough and sputum); and 3) CAT score (comprising cough [CAT1] and sputum [CAT2] subscale scores). Results: A total of 2694 patients were enrolled in this study. The proportions of CB were 10.8%, 35.8%, and 24.0% according to the classical, SGRQ, and CAT definitions, respectively. The three definitions yielded consistently significant differences between CB and non-CB patients in modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale CAT score, SGRQ score, number of moderate-to-severe exacerbations per year and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. By three definitions, CB consistently predicted future risk of exacerbation. The kappa coefficient of agreement between the classical definition and SGRQ definition was 0.29, that of the classical definition and CAT definition was 0.32, and that of the SGRQ definition and CAT definition was 0.44. Conclusion: Patients with CB according to the new definitions based on SGRQ or CAT score showed similar clinical characteristics to those defined according to the classical definition. The new CB definitions may be used as alternatives to the classical definition.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)

“…Chronic bronchitis is one of the most important phenotypes of COPD, which is associated with poor health-related QOL, poor lung function, frequent exacerbation, and is even associated with a higher mortality rate [120][121][122][123]. It is usually defined by frequent cough and sputum production for 3 months per year for over 2 consecutive years, but definitions using sub-questionnaires of St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores or CAT scores have also been validated [124][125][126][127]. Chronic bronchitis may develop with or without airway obstruction [10,128,129].…”

Effect of SGRQ-Defined Chronic Bronchitis at Baseline on Treatment Outcomes in Patients with COPD Receiving Nebulized Glycopyrrolate

“…CB is common in the general population (3.4–22.0% of the adults), 3 while the reported prevalence of CB among patients with COPD varies widely and ranges from 7.4% to 74%. 6 , 9–12 The wide variability in prevalence of CB in the COPD patient population and COPD clinical trials is primarily due to differences in study design and the definitions of CB used. The classic definition of CB refers to chronic cough and sputum production due to inflammation of the bronchi on most days for ≥3 months per year and for ≥2 consecutive years.…”

“…The classic definition of CB refers to chronic cough and sputum production due to inflammation of the bronchi on most days for ≥3 months per year and for ≥2 consecutive years. 9 The St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) has been used in clinical trials as a surrogate for the classic definition. 13 Patients who report cough and sputum production “most days of the week” or “several days of the week” in the SGRQ Symptoms domain are considered to have CB.…”

Effect of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics for chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

“…Chronic bronchitis (CB) is medically defined as chronic cough and sputum production for 3 months every year for 2 consecutive years. [ 1 ] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem, typically characterized by persistent airflow limitation and increased airway inflammation, which includes pulmonary diseases such as CB and bronchial asthma. The prevalence of COPD has risen steadily over the past several decades.…”

“…COPD has become the third leading cause of disease death worldwide with a significant economic burden. [ 1 , 2 ] Smoking has been identified as the most significant risk factor for development of CB [ 3 ] ; however, other potential risk factors include air pollution, biomass fuels, dusts and chemical fumes. [ 4 , 5 ] Among individuals who reported smoking continuously over several decades, the incidence of CB was 42%.…”