IPCRG 2026: Updates on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases
Presenter: Fiona Mosgrove
Disease stability (DS), per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2026, reflects sustained low disease activity. This post hoc analysis of phase III IMPACT Trial compared DS composites at Week 52 with fluticasone furoate/umeclidinium/vilanterol (FF/UMEC/VI) versus FF/VI or UMEC/VI.
DS (no moderate/severe exacerbations and no worsening in COPD Assessment Test [CAT] and forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV₁]) was achieved by 22% of patients receiving FF/UMEC/VI versus 14% with FF/VI and 16% with UMEC/VI, with higher likelihood for FF/UMEC/VI (aRR 1.53 vs FF/VI; 1.36 vs UMEC/VI). The simplified composite (no moderate/severe exacerbations and no worsening of CAT score since baseline ie DS-2) showed greater attainment across groups (28%, 24%, 25%). Additionally, 47% of FF/UMEC/VI patients were exacerbation-free. Among those without CAT/FEV₁ worsening, 79% and 67% achieved improvements exceeding minimal clinically important difference (MCID), highlighting clinically meaningful gains in symptoms and lung function respectively.
Disease stability can be attained in a meaningful proportion of patients, with many demonstrating clinically relevant improvements in exacerbation burden, health status, and pulmonary function. Although the simplified “DS-2” composite is attainable and may function as a pragmatic surrogate for DS, periodic spirometric evaluation—ideally on an annual basis—remains important for comprehensive assessment.
IPCRG 2026: Using Oscillometry to Screen Patients with Suspected COPD: A Post-hoc Analysis of the Multicentre Primary Care SCOOP Study
Presenter: Janwillem W.H. Kocks
The multicentre SCOOP study evaluated whether oscillometry could serve as a screening tool for COPD in primary care.158 primary care participants aged ≥40 years with suspected or confirmed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) underwent spirometry and oscillometry (forced oscillation technique). Airflow obstruction was defined as post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV₁/FVC) <0.70. Oscillometry was categorized as normal or abnormal (minimal or high reversibility) using ALDS criteria while high reversibility was defined as R5<-40%, X5>50%, or Ax<-80%.
Oscillometry was normal in 47.5% of participants, but 64.0% of these were false-negatives (defined as abnormal spirometry with normal oscillometry) with clinically relevant airflow limitation, indicating limited ability to exclude obstruction., Oscillometry was abnormal in 83 participants (52.5%); 81.9% had abnormal spirometry. demonstrating strong positive predictive value. False-positives (defined as normal spirometry with abnormal oscillometry) (18.1%) had preserved lung function but higher symptom burden, suggesting detection of symptomatic individuals needing further assessment. Overall diagnostic performance was moderate (sensitivity 58.6%, specificity 64.3%), with high positive predictive value (PPV) (81.9%) and low negative predictive value (NPV) (36.0%).
Oscillometry demonstrates promise as a screening modality in primary care, given its high positive predictive value, indicating a strong correlation between abnormal oscillometry findings and spirometry-confirmed airflow obstruction. However, its low negative predictive value suggests that normal oscillometry results cannot be used to exclude clinically relevant obstructive disease, and spirometry remains essential for definitive diagnosis.
Presenter: Marianna Pfeifer
Respiratory oscillometry, an effort-independent method assessing airway mechanics, is increasingly used in primary care, but diagnostic accuracy across parameters remains unclear. This systematic review (1990–2025) included 24 studies (n=20,641) evaluating oscillometry against spirometry for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis. Sixteen parameters were assessed; resonance frequency (Fres) and reactance at 5 Hz (X5) showed the highest diagnostic performance (AUC 0.67–0.96 and 0.64–0.88, respectively), while overall AUCs ranged from 0.55 to 0.96. However, most studies had high risk of bias, particularly in patient selection and index testing. These findings highlight variability in accuracy and the need for robust prospective validation studies.
Impact of A Structured Cardiopulmonary Risk–Focused COPD Review in Primary Care
Presenter: Claire Young
Cardiovascular disease is common but under-recognised in COPD patients. This study evaluated a structured COPD review template incorporating cardiopulmonary risk assessment on clinical management in primary care.
Between January and September 2025, patients underwent pharmacist-led reviews including clinical measures, symptom scores, and QRISK evaluation. The approach identified many patients needing optimisation of COPD therapy and further cardiovascular assessment. Interventions included medication adjustments, referrals, and lifestyle measures.
Embedding cardiopulmonary risk assessment into routine COPD reviews improved detection of unmet needs and supported better integrated management in this high-risk population.
Presenter: Lisa Hassinini-Kool
People with COPD have elevated cardiovascular risk, but management is often fragmented between primary and secondary care. This study developed a consensus-based, primary care–centred framework for cardiopulmonary risk management using multidisciplinary input in the Netherlands.
It highlights inconsistent cardiovascular assessment, especially during care transitions. Primary care serves as the central coordinator for long-term cardiovascular risk management, with specialist support during diagnosis, severe exacerbations, and suspected complications. Key points for reassessment are during exacerbations and after hospital discharge.
Embedding cardiovascular risk management inreferral and discharge communication, may enhance continuity, prevention, and overall patient outcomes.
13th International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) World Conference, 11th to 14th June 2026 ,Tunis, Tunisia.
