Assessing the overlap of asthma and COPD in patients in Hong Kong

A Cross-sectional Study to Assess the Proportion and Clinical Characteristics of Asthma and COPD Overlap for Patients With Asthma and COPD in Hong Kong.

Observational Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT03272932

This study is trying to find out how common asthma and COPD overlap is in patients in Hong Kong and how it affects their health over three years.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1600 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT03272932 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the prevalence of Asthma-COPD Overlap (ACO) among patients diagnosed with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Hong Kong. It will follow these patients for three years to assess their morbidity and mortality. The study seeks to fill a data gap regarding the clinical characteristics of ACO in the Asian population, as current guidelines have not been well established in clinical practice. By identifying and characterizing these patients, the study aims to improve understanding and management of ACO.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals over 40 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of either COPD or asthma.

Not a fit: Patients experiencing acute exacerbations of COPD or asthma, or those with other respiratory diseases mimicking chronic airway diseases, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better identification and treatment strategies for patients suffering from both asthma and COPD.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on ACO prevalence in Asia, similar studies in other regions have highlighted the importance of recognizing and treating ACO, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Subjects must fulfil all of the following criteria:

* All patients with confirmed diagnosis of COPD (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC\<0.7 based on the medical records) 1 or asthma (defined as those with a consistent history and prior documented evidence of variable airflow obstruction, with evidence of an increase in FEV1 greater than 12% or 400 mL following bronchodilator or bronchial hyperresponsiveness on bronchial provocation testing, when stable) 6
* Aged \>40 years old
* Signed written informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients currently with acute exacerbation of COPD by GOLD definition (any worsening of a patient's respiratory symptoms that is beyond normal day-to-day variations and requires a change in medication) 1 or acute exacerbation of asthma by GINA guideline. 6
* Patients with respiratory diseases that can show similar symptoms to chronic airway diseases such as bronchiectasis, tuberculosis (TB)-destroyed lung parenchyma, endobronchial TB, and lung cancer, or those who have history of these diseases based on physician's judgment
* Patients currently diagnosed with pneumonia and acute bronchitis
* Patients currently randomized in other clinical studies

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COPDAsthma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.