Characterization of readmissions in patients hospitalized with COPD exacerbation

Introduction: Inflammation, eosinophilia or FEV1 could play a role in readmissions after a COPD exacerbation. Our aim was to identify which factors could facilitate readmissions during the first and third month after a hospitalization by COPD exacerbation. Methods: One year observational retrospective study of hospitalized patients with COPD exacerbation. After hospital discharge we measured FEV1, Karnofsky Index, exacerbations (hospitalization or not) in the last year, GOLD and GesEPOC classifications, cardiovascular comorbidity, C reactive protein, peripheral eosinophilia and exacerbation severity scores BAP-65 and DeCOPD. Results: From 181 discharged patients with COPD exacerbation. The values at first month in 65 (36%) readmitted patients were: GOLD D (55%), GesEPOC exacerbator with enphysema (52%), BAP-65 II and moderate DeCOPD. In no readmitted patients were: GOLD D (39%), gesEPOC non-exacerbator (65%), BAP-65 II and moderate DeCOPD (53%). We observed differences (p 0,05). Conclusions: Readmissions at the first and third month were more frequent in GOLD D, exacerbators with emphysema, BAP-65 II and moderate DeCOPD. The number of previous hospitalizations, FEV1 and Karfnosky Index were the most related factors with readmissions.