USPSTF Still Advises Against COPD Screening for Asymptomatic Adults

TUESDAY, Nov. 2, 2021 (HealthDay News) — The U.S Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against screening asymptomatic adults for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This recommendation forms the basis of a draft recommendation statement published online Nov. 2 by the USPSTF.

Jennifer S. Lin, M.D., from the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Oregon, and colleagues conducted a targeted evidence update to support updating the USPSTF 2016 recommendations on screening for COPD. The researchers found that no trials assessed the effectiveness of screening or active case finding for COPD on health outcomes. In two trials, long-acting beta agonists, long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA), and/or inhaled corticosteroids reduced exacerbations or clinically important deterioration in individuals with fairly symptomatic moderate COPD. LAMA reduced exacerbations in a subgroup analysis of persons with minimal symptoms in one trial. Across a range of patient outcomes, no consistent benefit was seen for any type of nonpharmacologic intervention.

The reaffirmation deliberation process was used to update this recommendation, whereby only a very high level of evidence would justify a change in the grade of the recommendation. Based on the findings, the USPSTF concluded with moderate certainty that there is no net benefit for screening asymptomatic adults for COPD. Consequently, the USPSTF recommends against screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults (D recommendation).

The draft evidence review and recommendation statement will be posted for public comment. Comments can be submitted from Nov. 2 to Dec. 6, 2021.

Draft Evidence Review

Draft Recommendation Statement

Comment on Recommendation Statement