COPD assessment test (CAT) in the evaluation of COPD

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of CAT with other specific questionnaires and with clinical/functional parameters.METHODS:A prospective study analyzing DOSE, BODE and BODEX index,GOLD stage,quality of life questionnaires(SGRQ,CRQ and CAT) and number of exacerbations-year (no ex-years),dividing patients into non-exacerbator( /=2) were done.RESULTS: No differences in general variables were found.Analyzing the correlation between CAT and CRC/SGRG we found a significant correlation(CAT/SGRQ r = 0.70; CAT/CRC r = -0.66, p No significant differences between stages of severity or prognosis and scores on CAT,except for GOLD stages,were found. CONCLUSIONS:1.Correlation of CAT with other quality of life questionnaires is moderate.2.SGRQ and CRQ appreciate better clinical and prognostic variables.While CAT is more easily applied in daily practice,does not discriminate between different situations or serious prognosis,except in extreme stages of GOLD.