Received: 30.05.2014

Causes of deaths in COPD patients in primary care setting — a 6-year follow-up Ocena przyczyn zgonów u chorych na przewlekłą obturacyjną chorobę płuc w podstawowej opiece zdrowotnej w okresie sześcioletniej obserwacji The study was financed by the MNiSW/NCN: N N404 061538 project Introduction: COPD is one of the most frequent respiratory diseases responsible for patients ’ disability and mortality. In 2005 a single primary care practice, COPD was diagnosed in 183 out of 1,960 eligible subjects ≥ 40 years (9.3%). The aim of this study was to assess mortality rate and causes of deaths in this group after 6 years. Material and methods: In 2011 we invited all 183 patients with COPD recognised in 2005. We performed spirometry, physical examination, questionnaire of respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, concomitant diseases and treatment. Information abou