According to new data using GOLD 2017 guidelines, FEV1 may not be a significant predictor of future AECOPD risk.

In total, 611 COPD patients were included (36 from SNUH, 257 from KOCOSS, and 318 from KOLD). GOLD 2017 classification, excluding FEV1% for categorization criteria, showed no differences in future exacerbation risk compared with GOLD grade and GOLD 2011 based on c-statistics.

Among those with no frequent exacerbation history and FEV1 ?50%, the group with more symptoms was significantly associated with future exacerbations than the group with less symptoms. A lower FEV1 (FEV1 <50%) was not associated with a higher future exacerbation risk than a higher FEV1 (FEV1 ?50%), regardless of prior exacerbation history and symptom group.

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