Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Informed consent: a signed and dated written informed consent prior to study participation * Age: Subjects 35 years of age or order at visit 1. * Severe COPD diagnosis: an established severe COPD defined by spirometry values: * A post-albuterol/salbutamol FEV1/FVC ratio of \<0.70 at visit 1. FEV1: forced expiratory volume at one second FVC: forced vital capacity. * A post-bronchodilator FEV1 \< 50% predicted normal * Smoking history: ≥ 10 pack-years at visit 1 * Stable phase of the disease (not less than 4 weeks of stability prior visit 1) Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects not giving written informed consent. * Subjects at risk of non-compliance, or unable to comply with the scheduled visits. * Subjects affected mainly by another severe chronic respiratory disease that justifies the ventilatory alteration, for example pulmonary fibrosis or severe bronchiectasis * Subjects with carcinoma that has not been in complete remission for at least 5 years. * Subjects with α1-antitrypsin deficiency as the underlying cause of COPD