Towards the next stage of novel biomarker discussion in COPD: Tekizai-Tekisho.

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) as a degree of airflow limit2ation has traditionally been regarded as a crucial predictor of mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the situation has changed over the past 10 years. Various systemic clinical outcome measurements, such as exercise capacity, dyspnoea, health status, etc., have been found to be associated with mortality [1, 2]. Thus, combined multidimensional disease severity grading protocols have been proposed. To date, the BODE index (body mass index, dyspnoea, exercise capacity and airflow limitation) has led the field as a predictor of disease [3].