Factor analysis in predominantly severe COPD: Identification of disease heterogeneity by easily measurable characteristics

Readily available data can explain ∼60% of COPD heterogeneity in a large dataset of predominantly severe COPD patients. Factors were robust over determinants of disease outcome; gender, smoking status, pack-years smoked, and comorbidities. The main factors were largely unchanged by adding exacerbations. Only BMI loaded to other factors.