Bode index: Un indice multidimensionale prognostico per la BPCO

A few attempts have been made in the past to propose suitable multidimensional indices intended to the evaluation of COPD severity degree. We have here considered a recent multidimensional proposal that, starting from severity clinical and functional markers, is oriented to evaluate patient's prognosis (correlation to mortality). We then re-propose origin, advantages and clarification of a recently proposed index which has been well accepted worldwide for its easy utilization (BODE index), showing furthermore good correlation with mortality due to COPD. The individual components of such index are then discussed, which explore with good ease (although not in depth nor in detail) functional, respiratory and metabolic patient's characteristics with a prognostic view.