Anemia is a Mortality Predictor in Hospitalized Patients for COPD Exacerbation

AbstractBackground. Anemia is a recognized prognostic factor in many chronic illnesses, but there is limited information about its impact on outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute COPD exacerbation (AECOPD). Aim. To investigate whether anemia exerts an effect on mortality in patients admitted for AECOPD after one year of follow-up. Methods. From November 2007 to November 2009 we recruited 117 patients who required hospitalization due to an AECOPD. Clinical, functional and laboratory parameters on admission were prospectively assessed. Patients were followed up during one year. Mortality and days-to-death were collected. Results. Mean age 72 (SD ± 9); FEV1 37.4 (SD ± 12); mortality after 1 year was 22.2%. Mean survival: 339 days. Comparing patients who died to those who survived we found significant differences (p < 0,000) in hemoglobin (Hb) (12.4 vs 13.8 mg/dl) and hematocrit (Ht) (38 vs 41%). Anemia (Hb < 13 g.dl-1) prevalence was 33%. Those who died had experienced 3.5 exacerbations in previous yea...