CLINICAL PROFILE AND OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common cause of hospitalization and 
poor clinical outcome among patients with chronic respiratory illness.
Aim: To evaluate the clinical profile, associated risk factors, precipitating factors, comorbidities, and outcome of patients 
admitted with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 132 patients admitted with acute 
exacerbation of COPD. Clinical history, smoking status, risk factors, comorbidities, radiological findings, oxygen status, 
ventilatory support, and outcome were analyzed using SPSS version 16.