Clinical and Paraclinical Characteristics and Predictive Factors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Exacerbation.

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common global condition, yet real-world data on exacerbations in Vietnamese patients remains limited. This highlights the need for further exploration of clinical complexities in this population.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize the clinical and paraclinical features of COPD and identify predictors of exacerbation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted on 180 inpatients at Vietnam National Lung Hospital from January 2016 to June 2021. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 69.38 ± 9.40 years, with 92.8% male. Common symptoms included dyspnea (97.8%), cough (85.6%), and expectoration (80.0%). GOLD stage distribution was: GOLD III (53.7%), GOLD IV (29.3%), and GOLD II (17.0%). Significant predictors of exacerbation included smoking (OR=2.79), comorbidities (OR=3.95), increased dyspnea (OR=14.83), increased sputum (OR=3.13), decreased alveolar murmur (OR=4.11), wheezing (OR=2.70), white blood cell count ≥10 G/L (OR=4.79), GOLD group D (OR=9.75), and FEV1 <30% (GOLD IV) (OR=7.51) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Clinical and paraclinical predictors can aid in forecasting and mitigating COPD exacerbations.