Viral Profile of COPD Exacerbations According to Patients§

Dimopoulos, G; Tsiodras, S; Lerikou, M; Chranioti, Aik; Perros, E; Anagnostopoulou, U; Karakitsos, P; Armaganidis, A

The following parameters were recorded on admission: age, sex, stage of COPD (according to GOLD criteria), smoking habits and alcohol addiction, use of oxygen, influenza vaccination, comorbidities (confirmed by medical records), current medication as well as signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection. All patients underwent routine blood examination, including C-reactive protein, chest radiograph and sputum culture for common bacteria. The patients were assigned to COPD stages based on the GOLD criteria and according to the most recent available spirometric values (the last three months). Patients with mild COPD (stage I) had an FEV 1 /FVC <70% and FEV 1 ≥80% of predicted values. Patients with moderate COPD (stage II) had an FEV 1 /FVC <70% and FEV 1 between 50% and 80% of predicted values. Patients with severe COPD (stage III) had an FEV 1 /FVC <70% and FEV 1 between 30% and 50% of predicted values and patients with very severe COPD (stage IV) had an FEV 1 /FVC <70% and FEV 1 <30% of predicted values or FEV 1 <50% of values predicted plus chronic respiratory failure. They all underwent spirometry after their discharge from hospital. All patients were followed-up throughout their recovery from exacerbation and until their discharge from the hospital.