Suspecting COPD: What If the Spirometry Result Is Normal? - Frankly Speaking EP 295

Credits: 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

CME/CE Information and Claim Credit: https://www.pri-med.com/online-education/podcast/frankly-speaking-cme-295

Overview: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is typically diagnosed based on spirometry findings, but what if that finding isn’t what you expect? Spirometry measurements are compared to standard values for age, sex, and race. The use of race-based equations has been questioned in several clinical situations, and researchers are now raising similar concerns about the use of race-based equations in spirometry, which may lead to health inequities. Join us for an important discussion on how to overcome these potential disparities in diagnosing COPD.

Episode resource links:

• Liu GY, Khan SS, Colangelo LA, et al. Comparing Racial Differences in Emphysema Prevalence Among Adults With Normal Spirometry: A Secondary Data Analysis of the CARDIA Lung Study [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jul 19]. Ann Intern Med. 2022;10.7326/M22-0205.

Guest: Alan Ehrlich MD, FAAFP

Music Credit: Richard Onorato