GOLD 0 - DLCO 1: A Look Beyond the Obstruction. Is Spirometry Enough for COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Screening?

GOLD 0 - DLCO 1: A Look Beyond the Obstruction. Is Spirometry Enough for COPD Screening?

This is a multicenter observational prospective study in smokers or ex-smokers with cumulative exposure ≥ 10 a / p (years / pack) with respiratory symptoms and presenting a normal spirometry.

The patients who sign the corresponding informed consent, will undergo a DLCO and will be divided into two groups according to the result:

• Group I. Patients with DLCO <80%.
• Group II Patients with DLCO≥80%.

Both groups will be followed for 5 years.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥18 years. The participant or his / her legal representative is willing and able to give informed consent to participate in the study.
• Female or male patients with age equal to or greater than 18 years.
• Smokers or ex-smokers with cumulative exposure ≥ 10 a / p
• Respiratory symptoms
• Normal spirometry.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age under 18 years.
• Participation in another clinical study.
• Patients with a life expectancy of less than 2 years due to neoplasms or other serious systemic diseases.
• Refusal to sing informed consent.