Association of different co-morbidities among patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its exacerbations in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction and Aim: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its exacerbations related mortality pose a major socio-economic burden to the community. Along with exacerbation, it is also associated with a number of comorbid systemic diseases, which in turn increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in all stages of COPD. Therefore, the present study aims to find out commonly prevalent extra-pulmonary comorbidities that will help in understanding the real burden of the disease and also help in proper management and improving clinical outcome of COPD and its exacerbations. Materials and Methods: The prevalence of comorbidities was compared between 209 subjects of COPD and 146 subjects of COPD with acute exacerbations (COPD with AE) for a period of one year. COPD was diagnosed basing upon the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. Age of presentation of the disease, duration of hospital-stay and comorbidities associated with COPD were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using standard statistical software Stata 15.1. Results: The mean age of presentation of COPD and COPD with AE did not differ significantly. Duration of hospital stay was more in COPD than COPD with AE (8.53 ± 6.65 Vs 6.95 ± 3.78 days, respectively, p< 0.001). COPD  subjects had higher level of creatinine than COPD with AE (1.37 ± 1.38 vs.1.13 ± 0.85mg/dL respectively, p=0.06). Hemoglobin level shows significant difference between two groups (p< 0.05). Hypertension, coronary artery disease, anemia, renal diseases were more frequent comorbidities associated with COPD and its exacerbations. Conclusion: Extra pulmonary comorbidities increase morbidity, mortality, healthcare cost and make management of COPD difficult. Therefore, there is a need for evaluation and adequate treatment of comorbidities which can avoid future exacerbation. Keywords: GOLD criteria; Comorbidities; Prevalence; DM; HTN.