Validation and Clinical Analysis of the Quantitative COPD Exacerbation Recognition Tool (Q-CERT): Diagnostic Performance and Association with Lung Function Impairment

Objective: There is a need for a patient-centered tool that can quantitatively identify acute exacerbations of COPD. This study aims to develop and validate a digital tool that enables such care by providing a quantifiable severity score. Methods: A total of 161 AECOPD patients and 130 stable COPD patients from Henan Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled. Demographics, clinical symptoms, pulmonary function parameters and admission laboratory data for patients were collected. The COPD Exacerbation Recognition Tool (CERT) was quantified using a 4-point Likert scale (0-3) to derive the Quantitative-CERT (Q-CERT) score. Effectiveness of the CERT and Q-CERT in identifying AECOPD was assessed. Results: <0.05). Conclusion: Q-CERT enhanced the original CERT's ability to identify AECOPD. And total score was correlated with pulmonary function impairment and systemic inflammation, making it an efficient and reliable tool for clinical practice.