Abstract
Introduction
COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Exacerbations are known to negatively impact patients’ prognosis and mortality. However, no studies are available investigating mortality of patients hospitalised due to acute COPD exacerbations (AECOPD) in Austria.
Objectives
Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze, besides patients length of hospital stay and 90 days readmission rate, patients hospital mortality rate after admission for AECOPD throughout Austria compared to European peers.
Methods
16.018 European (432 hospitals, 13 European countries) and 823 Austrian patients (26 hospitals) with AECOPD were included in the ERS COPD Audit, a prospective observational study. Length of stay, 90 days readmission rate, and hospital mortality rate were recorded.
Results
Patients’ characteristics with respect to lung function and GOLD stage were comparable between Austrian and European peers. Median length of stay was higher in Austria compared to Europe (11.2 ±9 days vs. 9.4±9 days; p<0.01) as well as hospital readmission rate within 90 days (40% vs. 35%; p<0.05). Furthermore, hospital mortality rate was similar in Austria and Europe (4.1% vs. 5.0%; p=n.s) as well as 90 days mortality rate (6.1% vs. 6.2%; p=n.s). Female overall mortality rate was higher in both, Austria and Europe compared to male (10.4% vs.9.7%; p=n.s and 12% vs. 10.3%; p<0.05).
Conclusions
In Austrian COPD exacerbations, length of stay and 90 days hospital re-admission rate was higher compared to European peers. Furthermore, mortality rate is high and gender related differences in mortality rate were observed in both, female Austrian and European patients.
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