Prevalence and incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its epidemiology in Latin America and the Caribbean is not well described. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of COPD in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods We searched systematically in Web of Science (WoS)/Core Collection, WoS/MEDLINE, WoS/Scielo, Scopus, PubMed, and Embase from 2010 to 2021. Studies assessing the prevalence and incidence of COPD according to the GOLD classification were included. The overall prevalence of COPD was calculated as a function of the general population using a random-effects model. Results 20 studies (19 cross-sectional and 1 cohort) met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of COPD in the general population older than 35 years was 8.9%. The prevalence in men was 13.7% and in women 6.7%. The prevalence in smokers and ex-smokers was 24.3%. The incidence in the general population of COPD according to one study was 3.4% at 9 years of follow-up. Conclusions COPD is prevalent in Latin America, especially in men and in smokers and ex-smokers. Further prevalence and incidence studies in the general population are needed, as well as health policies and strategies to address the disease.

Association of Exposure to Biomass Fuels with Occurrence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rural Western China: A Real-World Nested Case-Control Study

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Serum YKL-40 Levels, Leukocyte Profiles, and Acute Exacerbations of Advanced COPD

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“…With a rising incidence and prevalence during the past few decades (≈300 million people and ≈12.2%, respectively, in 2020), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant global health problem [ 1 ]. This respiratory disorder is associated with an important socioeconomic burden on patients, their caregivers, and healthcare systems [ 2 ].…”

Pulmonary Surfactant: A Mighty Thin Film

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