RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
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
FD European Respiratory Society
SP p3010
VO 38
IS Suppl 55
A1 Francesco Blasi
A1 Carla Fornari
A1 Francesca Di Stasi
A1 Sara Conti
A1 Lorenzo Giovanni Mantovani
A1 Luca Merlino
A1 Stefano Aliberti
A1 Giancarlo Cesana
YR 2011
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p3010.abstract
AB 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.