Change in Airway Peripheral Tone in COPD
Change in Airway Peripheral Tone in COPD
Small airways disease is a pathological feature in mild to moderate COPD, which might be
 causally involved in disease progression. However, there are only limited studies available
 that prospectively identified patients at risk for small airway disease. Our intention is to
 investigate the early phase of the disease. In addition, we thereby want to build up a
 well-defined study population of patients in an early phase of the disease with a rapid
 decrease in lung function as measured by oscillometry and multiple breath washout
 (MBW)-testing. In addition, it is our goal to identify patients in an early stage of disease
 and patients at risk of fast progression and/or rapid decline in lung function.
patients at risk for COPD

 inclusion criteria:

 -  smoking history (at least 10 pack years)

 -  absence of airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC ≥ 70% after salbutamol 400µg)

 -  high symptom score (CAT ≥ 10) or long acting bronchodilator therapy

 -  age > 35 years

 exclusion criteria:

 -  respiratory infection within 4 weeks prior to inclusion

 -  other symptomatic pulmonary disease, except bronchial asthma

 patients with early COPD

 inclusion criteria:

 -  smoking history (at least 10 pack years)

 -  mild COPD (FEV1/FVC < 70% and FEV1 ≥ 70% after salbutamol 400µg)

 -  age > 35 years

 exclusion criteria:

 -  respiratory infection within 4 weeks prior to inclusion

 -  other pulmonary disease, except bronchial asthma