Question

According to GOLD criteria, what is COPD severity classification by FEV1 % predicted?

• A. Stage 1 \(\geq 80\%\); Stage 2 \(50-79\%\); Stage 3 \(30-49\%\); Stage 4 \(\lt 30\%\)
• B. Stage 1 \(\lt 30\%\); Stage 2 \(30-49\%\); Stage 3 \(50-79\%\); Stage 4 \(\geq 80\%\)
• C. All stages \(\gt 80\%\)
• D. Based only on FVC

Hint:

Remember the "80-50-30" rule. Stage 1 is the healthiest (\(\gt 80\%\)) and Stage 4 is the most critical (\(\lt 30\%\)). Always use the post-bronchodilator value for this classification.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall GOLD staging basis.
The GOLD classification grades COPD severity using the post-bronchodilator FEV1 percentage predicted
Step 2: Recall the cutoffs.
Stage 1 is 80 percent or more, Stage 2 is 50 to 79 percent, Stage 3 is 30 to 49 percent, and Stage 4 is below 30 percent
Step 3: State the answer.
So severity worsens from Stage 1 through Stage 4 using these FEV1 cutoffs
\[ \boxed{Stage 1 >= 80%; Stage 2 50-79%; Stage 3 30-49%; Stage 4 < 30%} \]