GOLD Science Committee recommendations for the use of pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry for the diagnosis of COPD

Eur Respir J. 2025 Feb 6;65(2):2401603. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01603-2024. Print 2025 Feb.

Abstract

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report states that the diagnosis of COPD should be considered in individuals with chronic respiratory symptoms and/or exposure to risk factors. Forced spirometry demonstrating airflow obstruction after bronchodilation is required to confirm the diagnosis using a threshold of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio <0.7. This GOLD Science Committee review weighs the evidence for using pre- or post-bronchodilator (BD) spirometry to diagnose COPD. Cohort studies have shown that pre- and post-BD spirometry give concordant diagnostic results in most cases, although the prevalence of COPD is up to 36% lower with post-BD values. Discordant results may occur in "volume" or "flow" responders. Volume responders have reduced FVC due to gas trapping causing FEV1/FVC ≥0.7 pre-BD, but a volume response occurs post-BD with a greater improvement in FVC relative to FEV1 decreasing the ratio to <0.7. Flow responders show a greater FEV1 improvement relative to FVC which may increase FEV1/FVC from <0.7 pre-BD to ≥0.7 post-BD; these individuals have an increased likelihood of developing post-BD obstruction during follow-up and require monitoring longitudinally. GOLD 2025 recommends using pre-BD spirometry to rule out COPD and post-BD measurements to confirm the diagnosis. This will reduce clinical workload. Post-BD results close to the threshold should be repeated to ensure a correct diagnosis is made. Post-BD measurements ensure that volume responders are not overlooked and limit COPD overdiagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Bronchodilator Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / physiopathology
  • Spirometry*
  • Vital Capacity

Substances

  • Bronchodilator Agents