COPD
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Review Meta Analysis
The epidemiology and burden of COPD in Latin America and the Caribbean: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Abstract Background: In the developing world, COPD continues to be an under studied, diagnosed and treated disorder. In the present study, we analyzed the prevalence, mortality and resource utilization of COPD in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in order to guide future research and public policies. ⋯ COPD burden in LAC is high, especially for men and older persons; however few persons had severe disease. COPD patients often received inappropriate treatment and had high exacerbation and hospitalization rates leading to high economic costs.