Fig. 1

Summary of RECUT trial assessments performed at different time points. 1) Sex, age, weight, height, nationality, detailed medical history, CRP, plasma glucose, leucocyte cell count, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, body temperature, spirometry, mMRC, CAT, and quality and quantity of sputum and coughing. 2) All variables in 1) except demographic variables, but in addition treatment failure, hospitalization, mortality, change in medication, cumulative GC dose, clinically manifested side effects of GC or other medication. CAT only on day 7. 3) mMRC, CAT, quality and quantity of sputum and coughing, re-exacerbation, hospitalization, mortality, change in medication, cumulative GC dose, and clinically manifested side effects of GC or other medication. 4) Intervention (COPD self-management, smoking cessation), comments, and if lost to follow-up. CAT COPD assessment test, COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, CRP C-reactive protein, GC glucocorticoid, mMRC Modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale