Asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) encompasses features of both asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The goal of a new study published in Respiratory Research was to estimate the prevalence of ACO in the general population using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present study entailed a systematic search of ISI Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases, up to May 2019 to identify studies reporting the prevalence of ACO. Reference lists from identified studies and relevant review articles.

Overall, 27 studies were selected. The Cochran Q test and I2 statistics discloses substantial heterogeneity among studies. Pooled prevalence of ACO was 2.0% in the general population, 26.5% among patients with asthmaand 29.6% among those with COPD. Additionally, the global prevalence of asthma-only was found to be 6.2% and for COPD-only was 4.9%.

The results estimated that the global prevalence of ACO,according to population-based studies, was 2.0% among the general population. In inference, it was stated that the prevalence of ACO depends on its diagnostic criteria. Therefore, there is a vital need to better define the ACO diagnostic criteria and management and treatment guidelines.