Tuberc Respir Dis.  2023 Jul;86(3):196-202. 10.4046/trd.2023.0014.

Definitions of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation: A Modified Delphi Survey

• Park YB
• Lee JH
• Ra SW
• Park HY
• Jung JY
• Kang YA
• Rhee CK
• Kim DK
• Yoo KH
• Hwang YI
• Lim SY
• Lee JS
• Jo KW
• Oh YM

• KMID: 2543174
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2023.0014

Abstract

Background
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) update 2023 proposed new definitions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COPD exacerbation. However, an agreement on the definitions has not been made, either internationally or domestically. This study aimed to reach an agreement between experts on the new definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation in South Korea.
Methods
A modified Delphi method was used to make an agreement on the definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation proposed by the GOLD update 2023. We performed two rounds of the survey including 15 Korean experts on COPD, asthma, and tuberculosis.
Results
More than two-thirds of the experts agreed on 12 of the 13 statements related to the definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation in the two rounds of the survey. The experts agreed on the definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation that should be revised in line with the definitions proposed by the GOLD update 2023. However, the experts showed an uncertain opinion on the statement that the definition of COPD includes patients with persistent airflow obstruction due to bronchiectasis.
Conclusion
Based on this Delphi survey, experts’ agreement was made on the definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation proposed by the GOLD update 2023.

Keyword

Definition; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Exacerbation