Predicting the costs of managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The study demonstrated that severity of airflow obstruction, as assessed by FEV1% predicted, is a significant but weak predictor of future healthcare resource utilisation-prior hospitalisation and home oxygen use, the presence of comorbid conditions and symptoms of dyspnoea are better predictors of costs. Those interested in the economic benefits of new COPD treatments and disease management programs need to carefully account for these factors.