1. New multidimensional diagnostic approach proposed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, integrating imaging findings and respiratory symptoms.
2. Airflow obstruction is the major criterion, with additional minor criteria.
3. Reclassified patients with a new COPD diagnosis had greater all-cause and respiratory-specific mortality, more exacerbations, and more rapid decline in FEV1.
4. The new diagnostic schema included a major criterion (airflow obstruction) and five minor criteria.
5. Study population involved individuals aged 45 to 80 years who currently or formerly smoked.
6. Rationale for new criteria: provides a more comprehensive diagnostic approach by integrating imaging findings with symptom measures.
7. Funding: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, COPD Foundation, Canadian Respiratory Research Network.

Source: JAMA