Treatment strategies after acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Impact on mortality

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a common reason for presentation to emergency departments (ED), but the management of these episodes is often heterogeneous regardless of their potential impact on short-term adverse outcomes. Methods This was a longitudinal, retrospective study of all patients >40 years old admitted to the ED of two Spanish teaching hospitals for an AECOPD between January 1 st and May 31 st , 2016. All data were collected from electronic medical records. The primary outcomes were patient treatment at discharge and 90-day mortality. Logistic regression was used to model the determinants of 90-day mortality. Results Of the 465 included patients, 56% were prescribed a 3-drug combination at hospital discharge, 22% a 2-drug combination, 19% a single drug, and 4% other or no treatment. Approximately 8% of patients died within 90 days after an AECOPD. Multivariate logistic models revealed that having more than 2 severe exacerbations within the last 12 months (OR (95% CI): 15.12 (4.22–54.22)) and being prescribed a single drug at discharge (OR (95% CI): 7.23 (2.44–21.38)) were the main determinants of 90-day mortality after an AECOPD. Conclusions This study reflects the real-life heterogeneity in the pharmacological treatments prescribed after an ED admission for an AECOPD and suggests the potential impact of suboptimal inhaled treatment strategies on 90-day mortality rates.