Asthma-COPD Overlap

摘要

Purpose of Review There is currently no universal definition for asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). However, several statements and guidelines have been developed. We reviewed publications to reflect current consensus on definition, pathobiology, evaluation, and management of patients with ACO with discussion of knowledge gaps. Recent Findings Patients with ACO demonstrate features of both asthma and COPD. However, there is controversy about whether ACO is recognized as a unique entity. While phenotypes of ACO are present, this is an area under investigation to better elucidate the endotype, or the biologic pathway driving the specific phenotype. At present, management approaches focus upon targeting features of asthma and COPD amenable to treatment, such as use of inhaled corticosteroids to treat eosinophilic inflammation, or bronchodilators to improve lung function. ACO represents a continuum of different diseases that may share biological mechanisms and require individualized treatment. Future research should be directed to determining phenotypes associated with ACO, their corresponding pathobiology, management, and long-term outcomes to address this common condition with a high burden of disease.