Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations: better standards--better prognosis?

摘要

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important noncommunicable chronic respiratory diseases [1]. In recent years, acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) have been identified as major modifiers of the course of the disease [2-4], Exacerbations requiring admission to hospital, which might occur in moderate to severe COPD, are the major threats of poor survival [5,6]. Both the number and severity of exacerbations determine poor outcome. In addition, the severity of an exacerbation increases the risk of relapse and read-mission to hospital [3]. Although the need for hospital admission is high in severe COPD (70% of all exacerbations), patients with moderate COPD also require hospital admission.