Late-breaking abstract: Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized COPD exacerbations

PURPOSE: To study which is the clinical and epidemiological profile of COPD exacerbations of hospitalized patient according to GOLD classification. According to risk factors, comorbidity, severe COPD, history of frequent exacerbations(>2) and risk factors for pseudomonas aeruginosa the exacerbations of COPD are determined as mild A, moderate B and severe C METHODS: Hospitalized patients with acute exacerbations of COPD were enrolled in university hospital "Sh.Ndroqi" Tirana Albania. Risk factors, clinical and epidemiological characteristics were estimated according to the gravity of COPD exacerbations. RESULTS: A total number of 166 patients with COPD exacerbations were enrolled of which 134 males and 32 females. Mean age was 66.44yrs(SD 9yrs).Forty-five cases constitute group A, 36 cases constitute group B and 83 cases group C. The mean age for group A,B and C was 65.21(SD12.5), 68.91(SD7.52)and 66.60(SD9.02) respectively. Mean of day length according of group A,B and C were 7.42, 9,06, 10.94 respectively. Total number of patients with respiratory failure was 121. According to the GOLD stages the cardiovascular comorbidity of COPD exacerbation in stage I,II,III,and IV was 15 cases, 14, 23 and 114 respectively CONCLUSIONS: The group C of COPD exacerbations made up 50% of hospitalized COPD exacerbations. The more important risk factor of hospitalization was respiratory failure. Cardiovascular disease were the more important risk factor of comorbidity. The length of stay was statistically important in group C comparing with group A