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USPSTF 2022: Recommendation against screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (D recommendation)
Clinical Question
Should primary care clinicians screen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in asymptomatic adults?
Bottom line
In this updated review, the USPSTF reaffirmed their 2016 recommendation against screening for COPD in adults with no symptoms (D recommendation). Clinicians should continue to reduce the risk of COPD by supporting their patients to not start smoking and helping them quit if they do. This recommendation does not apply to persons at very high risk for COPD, including those with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or workers exposed to certain toxins. 2b
Reference
Study design: Practice guideline
Funding: Government
Setting: Population-based
Synopsis
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found no clinical trials that directly evaluated the effectiveness of screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clinical trials of pharmacologic therapy show evidence of improved patient-oriented outcomes in adults with moderate COPD. However, no adequate evidence shows a similar benefit in asymptomatic or mild COPD, and observational data show a significant association with the use of long-acting muscarinic antagonists or long-acting beta agonists with an increased risk of serious adverse cardiovascular events. A similar association was found with the use of inhaled corticosteroids and the risk of developing diabetes. The American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society recommend against screening for COPD in asymptomatic patients.
Reviewer
David C. Slawson, MD
Professor and Vice Chair of Family Medicine for Education and Scholarship
Atrium Health
Professor of Family Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Charlotte, NC
Comments
SCREENING FOR COPD NOT CONTRIBUTOR
Though the study shows Screening for COPD not much cvontributory,,the screening in young adults for early development of COPD , particularly in the risky but asymptomatic group may definitely pick up early signs of COPD and would undoubtedly benefit the individual . Individual interest in treating phycisians to look for early signs of COPD in the asymptomatic patients need not be discouraged,any how.
smoking is main cause
patient care
screening for copd
may not be very productive