Question 6

What were the patient demographic features of those entered into the study? Were these different in any way to the general population that a general physician would expect to treat?

A total of 763 patients were enrolled of whom 394 had uncomplicated and 369 complicated bronchitis. Among the uncomplicated bronchitis patients, approximately 90% were smokers or ex-smokers. The mean age was approximately 51 years. Slightly more than half the patients had abnormal lung function, predominantly mild impairment. The majority reported 1-3 exacerbations in the previous year. Among the complicated bronchitis patients, approximately 95% were smokers or ex-smokers. The mean age was 59 years. Over 75% of these patients had moderate to severe airflow obstruction. More than half reported an exacerbation frequency of 4-6 in the previous year. The uncomplicated bronchitis patients are quite representative of COPD patients that a general physician would see and treat. The complicated bronchitis patients are typical of patients usually cared for by lung specialists.