COPD Assessment Test (CAT)
Quantifies impact of COPD symptoms on patients' overall health.
Advice
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Note that the CAT is one component in clinical decision-making, along with other considerations such as history of previous exacerbations and airflow limitation (FEV1).
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For all COPD patients, smoking cessation, preventive care (e.g. annual flu/pneumococcal vaccinations), and reduced exposure to exacerbation risk factors are mainstays of management (GOLD Guidelines).
- GOLD Guidelines recommend CAT as one component in grading symptom burden and to categorize patients into one of three groups: A, B, or E.
- CAT ≥10 corresponds to either GOLD Group B or E.
- Group B patients should be started on LABA and LAMA, although single inhaler therapy may be considered to improve adherence.
- Group E patients should also be started on LABA and LAMA. ICS should be considered in this group if their blood eosinophils are ≥300.
- CAT <10 corresponds to GOLD Group A or E.
- Group A patients should be started on a bronchodilator.
- Group E patients should also be started on LABA and LAMA. ICS should be considered in this group if their blood eosinophils are ≥300.