Prediction of the clinical course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, using the new GOLD classification: A study of the general population

This study evaluated the ability of GOLD stratification categories A–D to predict the clinical course of COPD in 6,628 individuals enrolled in two population-based studies in Denmark; included individuals were monitored for a mean follow-up period of 4.3 years for disease exacerbations, hospitalizations, and mortality. Across the two studies from which data were derived, spirometric testing was undertaken using different spirometers, including a Vitalograph device.