GOLD -ABE classification

The GOLD - ABE (Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease ABE) classification is a clinical and spirometric severity scale for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its prognostic and therapeutic implications make it widely used in routine clinical practice. Historically limited to a single GOLD grading, it has become more complex with the addition of a therapeutic grading ABCD then ABE (since 2023) to the GOLD grading, which is now limited to establishing the diagnosis. See specific chapters on COPD and respiratory function tests (RFTs).

It can be downloaded in pdf format:

  See detailed article: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  See detailed article: Respiratory function testing (RFT) - elements of interpretation

Bibliography

GOLD, At a glance outpatient management reference for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CPOD), 2015

Agusti A et al., GOLD 2023 : Highlights for primary care, npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine, 2023