Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not only characterized by chronic airflow limitation, but is also a systemic disease. There is no information about alterations in right ventricle (RV) functions precipitated by systemic manifestations of COPD. ⋯ The BODE index, which can be easily evaluated in office settings, may provide information about reduced RV functions as well as guiding treatment and helping to predict prognosis in COPD patients.