Background Chronic bronchitis (CB) in patients with COPD is associated with an
accelerated lung function decline and an increased risk of respiratory infections. Despite its
clinical significance, the chronic bronchitic phenotype in COPD remains poorly defined.
Methods We analyzed data from subjects enrolled in the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD
(COPDGene) Study. A total of 1,061 subjects with GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic
Obstructive Lung Disease) stage II to IV were divided into two groups: CB (CB+) if subjects …