Factors determining duration of hospital stay in patients hospitalized for acute COPD exacerbation

Background: Factors associated with the length of hospitalization in patients admitted for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) have not been thoroughly evaluated. Objectives: To evaluate the association between clinical and functional parameters and duration of hospital stay of patients admitted due to an AECOPD. Methods: We studied prospectively 31 patients (20 men, 11 women), mean age 69.5 (±7.8) years, admitted to hospital for AECOPD. Pulmonary function tests including body box evaluation of lung volumes, Borg dyspnea score at rest, Visual analogue scale dyspnea score, 6 minute walking test (6 MWT), Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) total and 4 domains scores, Charlson index for comorbidities, blood gases on admission, were all parameters evaluated within 72h of admission. Frequency of exacerbations, long term oxygen therapy (LTOT) prior to admission and duration of hospital stay were also recorded. Results: Mean duration of hospital stay was 8 days. Patients divided in 2 groups: (group 1 (18 patients): duration of stay Conclusions: Functional impairment and dyspnea in patients admitted for AECOPD have significant impact on the duration of their hospital recovery.