Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in romania

PURPOSE: to evaluate the prevalence of COPD in general population in Romania METHODS: This is the first epidemiological national study of COPD prevalence in general population in Romania using spirometry evaluation performed during 2011. 9638 subjects target population representative of rural and urban, age > 40 years, select using a sample stadial stratification probabilistic model from a sample of 15,000 households; has been applied a screening questionnaire through face to face interview administered by operator. 4900 have been identified for COPD risk respondents; of these were chosen randomly 2000 people to perform spirometry according to ATS/ERS standards; we performed at least 3 spirometry tests per patient pre and/or post administration of 400mcg salbutamol, using the same type of spirometer equipment in all testing centers;from 5960 spirometry test were invalidated 389 (93% rate of validation), 1543 participants being included in data processing spirometric data. Smoker status was evaluated as exsmoker , former or light smokers (< 5 pach- years, PA), moderate smokers (5 -20 PA), heavy smokers (>20 PA), PA= (number of cigaretts pack/day)∗number of smoking years. Spirometric data were statified according to GOLD criteria. RESULTS: Results:766 women (49.6%) and 777 men (50.4%) performed spirometry; FEV1/FVC less than 0.7 was found at 273 patients.Means age male 59.4 and for women 58.4, exsmoker (% value) 54.5 (in men) and 45.5 for women, light smoker (%) 38.7 (in men) and 61.3 for women %(p<0.001), moderate smoker (%)50.3 in men and 49.7 in women (NS),heavy smoker (%) 82 in men, obstructive dysfunction we found in 67,4% men and 32,6% women (p=0.002), GOLD III and IV stage 69.3 in men and 30.7 (p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence COPD in Romania was 9.3%. Only 4% of patients with COPD criteria had diagnosis at the moment of evaluation,.