Genetic risk and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease independently predict the risk of incident severe COVID-19

This study examined the potential interaction between genetic risk and severe COVID-19 in patients with and without COPD using data from 430,582 participants in the UK Biobank study. Identification of patients with COPD was achieved using spirometry, self-reported diagnoses, and diagnostic codes. Spirometry was performed using the Vitalograph Pneumotrac device.