Grade D recommendation indicates no benefit for people without respiratory symptoms
TUESDAY, April 5, 2016 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in asymptomatic adults. These findings form the basis of a recommendation statement published online April 5 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Researchers from the USPSTF reviewed the evidence relating to COPD screening for asymptomatic adults. They reviewed the diagnostic accuracy of screening tools, and whether screening improves the delivery and uptake of targeted preventive services.
In accordance with the findings from 2008, the researchers found no evidence that COPD screening improves health-related quality of life, morbidity, or mortality among asymptomatic individuals. Early COPD detection was not found to alter the course of disease or correlate with improved patient outcomes. Based on these findings, the USPSTF concluded with moderate certainty that screening for COPD has no net benefit in asymptomatic persons.
“The Task Force did not find any evidence that screening for COPD in adults without respiratory symptoms results in improved health outcomes,” Task Force member William Phillips, M.D., M.P.H., said in a statement. “Given the lack of benefit of early detection and the time and effort required to screen for COPD in all individuals, the Task Force is recommending against screening in asymptomatic people.”
Recommendation Statement
Evidence Review
Editorial 1
Editorial 2 (subscription or payment may be required)
Copyright © 2016 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
