Lack of Association between Inhaled Corticosteroid Use Based on the Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is known to useful biomarker for detecting eosinophilic airway inflammation. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the role of FeNO in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to assess whether elevated FeNO and its impact on treatment change into an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-containing regimen and association with acute exacerbation (AE) in patients with COPD. @*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed 107 COPD patients without a history of asthma from March 2016 to December 2019. The patients whose FeNO value was more than 50 parts per billion (ppb) were defined into the high FeNO group. Multivariable analysis with logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with AE in COPD. @*Results@#The median FeNO value was 32 ppb (interquartile range, 19 to 45) and 34 (20.0%) patients were classified as high FeNO group (median 74 ppb). In the high FeNO group, changes in inhaler treatment into an ICS-containing regimen occurred in 23 of 34 patients after the measurement of FeNO. In multivariate analysis, high FeNO was not a contributing factor for AE, but only the high blood eosinophil count (≥300 cells/μL) was associated with AE (adjusted odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 6.91; p=0.049). @*Conclusion@#High FeNO value had a significant impact on the prescription of ICSs in COPD patients, but it did not show a significant association with AE either on its own or with changes in treatment.

Definitions of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation: A Modified Delphi Survey / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) update 2023 proposed new definitions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COPD exacerbation. However, an agreement on the definitions has not been made, either internationally or domestically. This study aimed to reach an agreement between experts on the new definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation in South Korea. @*Methods@#A modified Delphi method was used to make an agreement on the definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation proposed by the GOLD update 2023. We performed two rounds of the survey including 15 Korean experts on COPD, asthma, and tuberculosis. @*Results@#More than two-thirds of the experts agreed on 12 of the 13 statements related to the definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation in the two rounds of the survey. The experts agreed on the definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation that should be revised in line with the definitions proposed by the GOLD update 2023. However, the experts showed an uncertain opinion on the statement that the definition of COPD includes patients with persistent airflow obstruction due to bronchiectasis. @*Conclusion@#Based on this Delphi survey, experts’ agreement was made on the definitions of COPD and COPD exacerbation proposed by the GOLD update 2023.

Association Between Air Pollution and Viral Infection in Severe Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background@#Respiratory pathogen infections and air pollution are main causes of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Air pollution has a direct effect on the airway epithelial barrier and the immune system, which can have an influence on infection. However, studies on the relationship between respiratory infections and air pollutants in severe AECOPD are limited. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between air pollution and respiratory pathogen in severe AECOPD. @*Methods@#This multicenter observational study was conducted by reviewing electronic medical records of patients with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea. Patients were divided into four groups according to the comprehensive air-quality index (CAI) used in Korea. Identification rates of bacteria and viruses of each group were analyzed. @*Results@#Viral pathogens were identified in 270 (36.7%) of 735 patients. Viral identification rate was different (P = 0.012) according to air pollution. Specifically, the virus detection rate was 55.9% in the group of CAI ‘D’ with the highest air pollution. It was 24.4% in the group of CAI ‘A’ with the lowest air pollution. This pattern was clearly seen for influenza virus A (P = 0.042). When further analysis was performed with particulate matter (PM), the higher/lower the PM level, the higher/lower the virus detection rate. However, no significant difference was found in the analysis related to bacteria. @*Conclusion@#Air pollution may make COPD patients more susceptible to respiratory viral infections, especially influenza virus A. Thus, on days with poor air quality, COPD patients need to be more careful about respiratory infections.

Developing a Diagnostic Bundle for Bronchiectasis in South Korea: A Modified Delphi Consensus Study / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Because the etiologies of bronchiectasis and related diseases vary significantly among different regions and ethnicities, this study aimed to develop a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea. @*Methods@#A modified Delphi method was used to develop expert consensus statements on a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis in South Korea. Initial statements proposed by a core panel, based on international bronchiectasis guidelines, were discussed in an online meeting and two email surveys by a panel of experts (≥70% agreement). @*Results@#The study involved 21 expert participants, and 30 statements regarding a diagnostic bundle for bronchiectasis were classified as recommended, conditional, or not recommended. The consensus statements of the expert panel were as follows: A standardized diagnostic bundle is useful in clinical practice; diagnostic tests for specific diseases, including immunodeficiency and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, are necessary when clinically suspected; initial diagnostic tests, including sputum microbiology and spirometry, are essential in all patients with bronchiectasis, and patients suspected with rare causes such as primary ciliary dyskinesia should be referred to specialized centers. @*Conclusion@#Based on this Delphi survey, expert consensus statements were generated including specific diagnostic, laboratory, microbiological, and pulmonary function tests required to manage patients with bronchiectasis in South Korea.

The Long-term Efficacy of Domiciliary Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#We evaluated the long-term effects of domiciliary noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) used to treat patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). @*Methods@#Databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials of COPD with NIPPV for longer than 1 year. Mortality rates were the primary outcome in this meta-analysis. The eight trials included in this study comprised data from 913 patients. @*Results@#The mortality rates for the NIPPV and control groups were 29% (118/414) and 36% (151/419), suggesting a statistically significant difference (risk ratio [RR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65–0.95). Mortality rates were reduced with NIPPV in four trials that included stable COPD patients. There was no difference in admission, acute exacerbation and quality of life between the NIPPV and control groups. There was no significant difference in withdrawal rates between the two groups (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.72–1.36; p=0.94). @*Conclusion@#Maintaining long-term nocturnal NIPPV for more than 1 year, especially in patients with stable COPD, decreased the mortality rate, without increasing the withdrawal rate compared with long-term oxygen treatment.

A Multicenter Study to Identify the Respiratory Pathogens Associated with Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Korea / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Although respiratory tract infection is one of the most important factors triggering acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD), limited data are available to suggest an epidemiologic pattern of microbiology in South Korea. @*Methods@#A multicenter observational study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2018 across 28 hospitals in South Korea. Adult patients with moderate-to-severe acute exacerbations of COPD were eligible to participate in the present study. The participants underwent all conventional tests to identify etiology of microbial pathogenesis. The primary outcome was the percentage of different microbiological pathogens causing AE-COPD. A comparative microbiological analysis of the patients with overlapping asthma–COPD (ACO) and pure COPD was performed. @*Results@#We included 1,186 patients with AE-COPD. Patients with pure COPD constituted 87.9% and those with ACO accounted for 12.1%. Nearly half of the patients used an inhaled corticosteroid-containing regimen and one-fifth used systemic corticosteroids. Respiratory pathogens were found in 55.3% of all such patients. Bacteria and viruses were detected in 33% and 33.2%, respectively. Bacterial and viral coinfections were found in 10.9%. The most frequently detected bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%), and the most frequently detected virus was influenza A (10.4%). Multiple bacterial infections were more likely to appear in ACO than in pure COPD (8.3% vs. 3.6%, p=0.016). @*Conclusion@#Distinct microbiological patterns were identified in patients with moderate-to-severe AE-COPD in South Korea. These findings may improve evidence-based management of patients with AE-COPD and represent the basis for further studies investigating infectious pathogens in patients with COPD.

Expeditious Resolution of Giant Bullae with Endobronchial Valves and Percutaneous Catheter Insertion

As bullae contribute to decreased lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, effective decompression of large bullae is important. Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction via endobronchial one-way valves is less invasive and has a lower mortality rate than lung volume reduction surgery. We report the case of a 48-year-old male who presented with giant bullae that were expeditiously resolved with endobronchial valves and percutaneous catheter insertion. Three days later, imaging revealed marked decreases in the extent of bullae and atelectasis of the contralateral lung without any complications, including air leakage or pneumothorax. Combination of endobronchial valves and percutaneous catheter insertion might be helpful to accelerate the release of large bullae and to achieve improved lung function and higher levels of physical activity in patients with COPD.

The Higher Incidence of COVID-19 in Patients With Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease: A Single Center Experience in Korea

The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial-pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). A total of 3,866 patients with NTM-PD were retrospectively identified from a single center. Compared to the general population of Korea, patients with NTM-PD had a substantially increased age-standardized incidence of COVID-19 from January 2020 to February 2021 (2.1% vs. 0.2%). The odds of being infected with COVID-19 was particularly higher in patients who received treatment for NTM-PD than in those who did not receive treatment for NTM-PD (adjusted odd ratio = 1.99, 95% confidence interval = 1.09–3.64, P = 0.026). Patients with NTM-PD might be regarded as a high-risk group for COVID-19 and may need a more proactive preventive strategy for COVID-19 and other pandemics in the future.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: Translation and Linguistic Validation of Six Profile Domains for Korean Adults

Background@#The purpose of the study was to translate and linguistically validate a Korean language version of the PROMIS (K-PROMIS) for the six profile adult domains: Fatigue, Pain Intensity, Pain Interference, Physical Function, Sleep Disturbance, and Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities. @*Methods@#A total of 268 items were translated into Korean according to the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy multilingual translation methodology. Participants first completed approximately 27 to 35 items and were then interviewed to evaluate the conceptual equivalence of the translation to the original English language source.The K-PROMIS items that met the a priori threshold of ≥ 20% of respondents with comprehension difficulties in the cognitive interview. @*Results@#54 of the 268 items were identified as difficult items to comprehend for at least 20% of respondents in Round 1. The most frequently identified K-PROMIS domain on difficult items to comprehend was the Physical function (24.5%). Most items with linguistic difficulties were Fatigue and Physical function. Cultural difficulties were only included the Physical function and Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities domains. 25 of 54 items were slightly revised, and then these revised items were tested with additional six participants in Round 2, and most participants had no problems to understand modified items. @*Conclusion@#The six profile adult domains of K-PROMIS have been linguistically validated.Further psychometric validation of the K-PROMIS items will provide additional information of meaningful outcomes for chronic disease and clinical setting.

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System: Translation and Linguistic Validation of Six Profile Domains for Korean Adults

Background@#The purpose of the study was to translate and linguistically validate a Korean language version of the PROMIS (K-PROMIS) for the six profile adult domains: Fatigue, Pain Intensity, Pain Interference, Physical Function, Sleep Disturbance, and Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities. @*Methods@#A total of 268 items were translated into Korean according to the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy multilingual translation methodology. Participants first completed approximately 27 to 35 items and were then interviewed to evaluate the conceptual equivalence of the translation to the original English language source.The K-PROMIS items that met the a priori threshold of ≥ 20% of respondents with comprehension difficulties in the cognitive interview. @*Results@#54 of the 268 items were identified as difficult items to comprehend for at least 20% of respondents in Round 1. The most frequently identified K-PROMIS domain on difficult items to comprehend was the Physical function (24.5%). Most items with linguistic difficulties were Fatigue and Physical function. Cultural difficulties were only included the Physical function and Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities domains. 25 of 54 items were slightly revised, and then these revised items were tested with additional six participants in Round 2, and most participants had no problems to understand modified items. @*Conclusion@#The six profile adult domains of K-PROMIS have been linguistically validated.Further psychometric validation of the K-PROMIS items will provide additional information of meaningful outcomes for chronic disease and clinical setting.

Direct Switch from Tiotropium to Indacaterol/Glycopyrronium in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients in Korea / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Many chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients receiving monotherapy continue to experience symptoms, exacerbations and poor quality of life. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of direct switch from once-daily tiotropium (TIO) 18 μg to indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) 110/50 μg once-daily in COPD patients in Korea. @*Methods@#This was a randomized, open-label, parallel group, 12-week trial in mild-to-moderate COPD patients who received TIO 18 μg once-daily for ≥12 weeks prior to study initiation. Patients aged ≥40 years, with predicted postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ≥50%, post-bronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity <0.7 and smoking history of ≥10 pack-years were included. Eligible patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either IND/GLY or TIO. The primary objective was to demonstrate superiority of IND/GLY over TIO in pre-dose trough FEV1 at week 12. Secondary endpoints included transition dyspnea index (TDI) focal score, COPD assessment test (CAT) total score, and rescue medication use following the 12-week treatment, and safety assessment. @*Results@#Of the 442 patients screened, 379 were randomized and 347 completed the study. IND/GLY demonstrated superiority in pre-dose trough FEV1 versus TIO at week 12 (least squares mean treatment difference [Δ], 50 mL; p=0.013). Also, numerical improvements were observed with IND/GLY in the TDI focal score (Δ, 0.31), CAT total score (Δ, –0.81), and rescue medication use (Δ, –0.09 puffs/day). Both treatments were well tolerated by patients. @*Conclusion@#A direct switch from TIO to IND/GLY provided improvements in lung function and other patient-reported outcomes with an acceptable safety profile in patients with mild-to-moderate airflow limitation.

Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Clinical Implications of the Use of Inhaled Corticosteroids / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND@#Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is regarded as a potential biomarker for identifying eosinophilic inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the clinical implication of FeNO and its influence on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) prescription rate in Korean chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.@*METHODS@#FeNO level and its association with clinical features were analyzed. Changes in the prescription rate of ICS before and after FeNO measurement were identified.@*RESULTS@#A total of 160 COPD patients were divided into increased (≥25 parts per billion [ppb], n=74) and normal (<25 ppb, n=86) FeNO groups according to the recommendations from the American Thoracic Society. Compared with the normal FeNO group, the adjusted odds ratio for having history of asthma without wheezing and with wheezing in the increased FeNO group were 2.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–6.29) and 4.24 (95% CI, 1.37–13.08), respectively. Only 21 out of 74 patients (28.4%) with increased FeNO prescribed ICS-containing inhaler and 18 of 86 patients (20.9%) with normal FeNO were given ICS-containing inhaler. Previous exacerbation, asthma, and wheezing were the major factors to maintain ICS at normal FeNO level and not to initiate ICS at increased FeNO level.@*CONCLUSION@#Increased FeNO was associated with the history of asthma irrespective of wheezing. However, FeNO seemed to play a subsidiary role in the use of ICS-containing inhalers in real-world clinics, which was determined with prior exacerbation and clinical features suggesting Th2 inflammation.

Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Clinical Implications of the Use of Inhaled Corticosteroids / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND@#Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is regarded as a potential biomarker for identifying eosinophilic inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the clinical implication of FeNO and its influence on inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) prescription rate in Korean chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.@*METHODS@#FeNO level and its association with clinical features were analyzed. Changes in the prescription rate of ICS before and after FeNO measurement were identified.@*RESULTS@#A total of 160 COPD patients were divided into increased (≥25 parts per billion [ppb], n=74) and normal (<25 ppb, n=86) FeNO groups according to the recommendations from the American Thoracic Society. Compared with the normal FeNO group, the adjusted odds ratio for having history of asthma without wheezing and with wheezing in the increased FeNO group were 2.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40–6.29) and 4.24 (95% CI, 1.37–13.08), respectively. Only 21 out of 74 patients (28.4%) with increased FeNO prescribed ICS-containing inhaler and 18 of 86 patients (20.9%) with normal FeNO were given ICS-containing inhaler. Previous exacerbation, asthma, and wheezing were the major factors to maintain ICS at normal FeNO level and not to initiate ICS at increased FeNO level.@*CONCLUSION@#Increased FeNO was associated with the history of asthma irrespective of wheezing. However, FeNO seemed to play a subsidiary role in the use of ICS-containing inhalers in real-world clinics, which was determined with prior exacerbation and clinical features suggesting Th2 inflammation.

Impact of Bronchiectasis on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Extra-Pulmonary Surgery in Patients with Airflow Limitation

The impact of bronchiectasis on the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) after extra-pulmonary surgery in patients with airflow limitation is not well elucidated. A retrospective analysis of 437 patients with airflow limitations, including 62 patients with bronchiectasis, was conducted. The analysis revealed that bronchiectasis was associated with increased PPC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.73; P = 0.001), which was especially significant in patients who did not use bronchodilators (aOR, 3.24; P = 0.002). Our study indicates that bronchiectasis is associated with an increased risk of PPC following extra-pulmonary surgery in patients with airflow limitation, and bronchodilators may prevent PPC in these patients.

Impact of Bronchiectasis on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Extra-Pulmonary Surgery in Patients with Airflow Limitation

The impact of bronchiectasis on the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) after extra-pulmonary surgery in patients with airflow limitation is not well elucidated. A retrospective analysis of 437 patients with airflow limitations, including 62 patients with bronchiectasis, was conducted. The analysis revealed that bronchiectasis was associated with increased PPC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.73; P = 0.001), which was especially significant in patients who did not use bronchodilators (aOR, 3.24; P = 0.002). Our study indicates that bronchiectasis is associated with an increased risk of PPC following extra-pulmonary surgery in patients with airflow limitation, and bronchodilators may prevent PPC in these patients.

Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Clinical Implications of the Use of Inhaled Corticosteroids / 결핵

The Analysis of Anemia in Persons affected leprosy / 나학회지

BACKGROUND@#The anemia still remains the most common hematologic disorder in the world despite improvements in general health and nutrition. Recently, the prevalence of anemia in the persons affected leprosy aged over 60 years in Korea was reported 22.4% in 60–69 years and 47.4% in 70 years or older in male and was reported 33.8% in 60–69 years and 46.0% in 70 years or older in female.@*OBJECTIVE@#In the meantime, the studies were limited to the subjects in a specific region, and the number of subjects was not enough, so it was not enough to evaluate the of anemia of persons affected by leprosy in Korea. So this study was conducted to evaluate it's prevalence, types, & presumed causes in settlement villages nationwide.METHOD: This study was conducted that the mobile team visited the resettlement villages nationwide from 2009 to 2019 and conducted on persons affected by leprosy and residents residing in resettlement village. Obtained bloods & serums were assayed (hemoglobin, mean corpucular volume, red blood cell distribution width, serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, serum vitamin B12, serum folate).RESULT: The prevalence of anemia was 34.31%(male 36.49%, female 32.97%), the proportion of the anemia classified by MCV was 2.6%(microcytic), 66.3%(normocytic), and 31.1%(macrocytic). Among micro- & normocytic anemia, a cause of the anemia was attributed 12.5% to anemia of iron deficiencies, 7.5% anemia of iron deficiencies with anemia of chronic diseases, and 5% to anemia of chronic diseases, among normo- & macrocytic anemaia, was attributed 8.6% to anemia of vitamin B12 deficiency(< 211 pg/ml) and 23.8% to anemia of folate deficiency(< 5.38 ng/ml).@*CONCLUSION@#In this study, we found that the prevalence of anemia in the persons affected leprosy aged over 60 years was higher than other past reports of general population over 60 years in Korea. So we will consider about the evaluation of higher prevalence of anemia in persons affected leprosy, causes of anemia, especially dapsone-related & other underline disease and management plan for anemia in them by the in-depth studies.

Hospice and Palliative Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, leading to substantial and increasing economic and social burden. Palliative care for COPD patients aims to reduce symptoms and exacerbations and improve exercise tolerance and quality of life. It is difficult to make a prognosis for COPD patients due to the variable illness trajectory and advanced care of patients. However, severity of breathlessness, assessment of lung function impairment, and frequency of exacerbations can help to identify palliative care needs and determine effective methods to mitigate symptoms, which is discussed in this paper. In these patients, it is recommended to provide individualized palliative care along with curative/restorative care at the onset of COPD symptoms. Before launching a palliative care system in Korea, it is necessary to prepare pulmonary rehabilitation resources, patient-centered communication, timely palliative responsiveness, and a program for effective advanced care planning. A multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration with not only the respiratory and palliative care teams but also primary care offers a new model of care for these patients and should be considered with a priority.

Down-Regulation of Serum High-Mobility Group Box 1 Protein in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Recently, increased levels of high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) have been identified in various inflammatory conditions and infections. However, no studies have evaluated the HMGB1 level in nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, and compared it to mycobacterial lung disease. METHODS: A total of 60 patients newly diagnosed with NTM lung disease, 44 culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients, and 34 healthy controls, were included in this study. The serum HMGB1 concentrations were quantified using HMGB1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS: Serum HMGB1 level in patients with pulmonary TB or NTM lung disease, was significantly lower than that of the healthy controls. In addition, the serum HMGB1 level in TB patients was significantly lower than patients with NTM lung disease. However, the levels in NTM patient subgroups did not differ according to the causative species, disease progression, and disease phenotype. CONCLUSION: Although low levels of serum HMGB1 has the potential to be a marker of mycobacterial lung disease, these levels were unable to differentiate disease progression and disease phenotype in NTM lung diseases.

Determinants of Nicotine Dependence in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Smoking cessation is the most powerful intervention to modify progress of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and nicotine dependence is one of the most important determinants of success or failure in smoking cessation. We evaluated nicotine dependence status and investigated factors associated with moderate to high nicotine dependence in patients with COPD. METHODS: We included 53 current smokers with COPD in the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease II cohort enrolled between January 2014 and March 2016. Nicotine dependence was measured by using Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND). Cognitive function was assessed by Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment. RESULTS: The median FTND score was 3, and 32 patients (60%) had moderate to high nicotine dependence. The median smoking amount was 44 pack-years, which was not related to nicotine dependence. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that high education status (odds ratio, 1.286; 95% confidence interval, 1.036–1.596; p=0.023), age <70 (odds ratio, 6.407; 95% confidence interval, 1.376–29.830; p=0.018), and mild to moderate airflow obstruction (odds ratio, 6.969; 95% confidence interval, 1.388–34.998; p=0.018) were related to moderate to high nicotine dependence. CONCLUSION: Nicotine dependence does not correlate with smoking amount, but with education level, age, and severity of airflow obstruction. Physicians should provide different strategies of smoking cessation intervention for current smokers with COPD according to their education levels, age, and severity of airflow obstruction.