Anemia predicts mortality after COPD exacerbation

Anemia is a recognised pronostic factor in many chronic illnesses,but there is limited information about its impact on outcomes in patients hospitalized due to an acute COPD exacerbation (AECOPD). Aim: To investigate whether anemia exert an effect on mortality after 1 year of follow-up. Methods: From November 2007 to November 2009 we recruited 117 patients who required hospitalisation due to an AECOPD.We collected demogrhaphic data, nutritional status, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrite (Ht) and lung function. Patients were followed up during 1 year. Mortality and days-to-death were collected. Results: Mean age 72 (SD±9); FEV1 38 (SD±12); mortality after 1 year was 21,4%. Comparing those who died to those who survived we found significant differences (p 1 exacerbation in the previous year was 6 (CI: 1,3-127,1). ![Figure][1] Conclusion: Anemia and previous exacerbations were independent predictors of mortality after 1 year in patients hospitalized due to ACOPD. [1]: pending:yes