TY - JOUR T1 - Clinical and economical impact of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A two-year study JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 38 IS - Suppl 55 SP - p3010 AU - Francesco Blasi AU - Carla Fornari AU - Francesca Di Stasi AU - Sara Conti AU - Lorenzo Giovanni Mantovani AU - Luca Merlino AU - Stefano Aliberti AU - Giancarlo Cesana Y1 - 2011/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p3010.abstract N2 - COPD is a common disease with considerable health and economic consequences. The aim of our study was to analyze clinical and economical impact of COPD exacerbations (E-COPD). A secondary data analysis of healthcare administrative databases of Lombardy, Italy was performed, including patients hospitalized for a severe E-COPD (index event) from Jan to Dec 2003. Two study groups were identified based on the number and type of E-COPD experienced after the index event during a two-year follow-up: those who had at least one severe E-COPD (Group A) and those who had only moderate E-COPD (Group B). A total of 12,436 patients (7,933 males; mean±SD age: 74±10 yrs) were enrolled. Among those, 45% belonged to Group A and 55% to Group B. Clinical outcomes, costs and consumptions of pulmonary function test (PFT) per person during the follow-up are given in Table.View this table:Mortality risk increased in the study population in relation to the number and type of E-COPD experienced during the follow-up. The number and type of E-COPD significantly impact outcomes and costs. Less than one fourth of patients discharged after an E-COPD will undergo a PFT during two years, although its cost is extremely lower than the hospital stay. ER -