COPD-X Australian and New Zealand guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 2017 update

Yang, Ian A; Brown, Juliet L; George, Johnson; Jenkins, Sue; McDonald, Christine F; McDonald, Vanessa M; Phillips, Kirsten; Smith, Brian J; Zwar, Nicholas A; Dabscheck, Eli

doi:10.5694/mja17.00686

ARTICLE
AUTHORS
REFERENCES

Topics

General medicine

Respiratory tract diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and chronic airflow limitation, and is associated with exacerbations and comorbidities. Advances in the management of COPD are updated quarterly in the national COPD guidelines, the COPD-X plan, published by Lung Foundation Australia in conjunction with the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and available at http://copdx.org.au.

Main recommendations:

Spirometry detects persistent airflow limitation (post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC < 0.7) and must be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies should be considered as they optimise function (ie, improve symptoms and quality of life) and prevent deterioration (ie, prevent exacerbations and reduce decline).
Pulmonary rehabilitation and regular exercise are highly beneficial and should be provided to all symptomatic COPD patients.
Short- and long-acting inhaled bronchodilators and, in more severe disease, anti-inflammatory agents (inhaled corticosteroids) should be considered in a stepwise approach.
Given the wide range of inhaler devices available, inhaler technique and adherence should be checked regularly.
Smoking cessation is essential, and influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations reduce the risk of exacerbations.
A plan of care should be developed with the multidisciplinary team. COPD action plans reduce hospitalisations and are recommended as part of COPD self-management.
Exacerbations should be managed promptly with bronchodilators, corticosteroids and antibiotics as appropriate to prevent hospital admission and delay COPD progression.
Comorbidities of COPD require identification and appropriate management.
Supportive, palliative and end-of-life care are beneficial for patients with advanced disease.
Education of patients, carers and clinicians, and a strong partnership between primary and tertiary care, facilitate evidence-based management of COPD.

Changes in management as result of the guideline: Spirometry remains the gold standard for diagnosing airflow obstruction and COPD. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment should be used in a stepwise fashion to control symptoms and reduce exacerbation risk.

1 University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD
2 Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD
3 COPD National Program, Lung Foundation Australia, Brisbane, QLD
4 Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
5 Curtin University, Perth, WA
6 Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA
7 Austin Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
8 University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
9 Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW
10 John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW
11 Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, SA
12 University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
13 Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC

Correspondence: ian.yang@health.qld.gov.au

Acknowledgements:

We thank Lung Foundation Australia and the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand for their support in the preparation of these guidelines.

Competing interests:

The conflict of interest declarations for Ian Yang, Johnson George, Sue Jenkins, Christine McDonald, Vanessa McDonald, Brian Smith, Nick Zwar and Eli Dabscheck are listed on the Lung Foundation Australia website ().

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COPD-X Australian and New Zealand guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 2017 update

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