Emphysema Scores Predict Death from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Cancer.

Link to article at PubMed

Emphysema Scores Predict Death from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Cancer.

Chest. 2011 Oct 20;

Authors: Zulueta JJ, Wisnivesky JP, Henschke CI, Yip R, Farooqi AO, McCauley DI, Chen M, Libby DM, Smith JP, Pasmantier MW, Yankelevitz DF

Abstract
Abstract OBJECTIVE:To assess the usefulness of emphysema scores in predicting death from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. METHODS:Emphysema was assessed on low-dose CT scans performed on 9,047 men and women on whom age and smoking history were documented. Each scan was scored as to the presence of emphysema: none, mild, moderate, or marked. Follow-up time was calculated from time of CT scan to time of death, or December 31, 2007, whichever came first. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the hazard ratio of emphysema as a predictor of death. RESULTS:Median age was 65 years, 4,433 (49%) were men; 4,133 (46%) were currently smoking or had quit within 5 years. Emphysema was identified in 2,637 (29%). It was a significant predictor of death from COPD (hazard ratio = 9.3, 95% CI: 4.3-20.2, P < 0.0001) and from lung cancer (hazard ratio = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1 - 2.5, P = 0.013), even when adjusted for age and smoking history. CONCLUSION:Visual assessment of emphysema on CT is a significant predictor of death from COPD and lung cancer.

PMID: 22016483 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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