Hartley et al reported risk factors for exacerbations and for pneumonia in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The authors are from Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Ferrara, St George's University of London and Glaxo Smith Kline PLC.
Patient selection: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The risk of exacerbation is greater than the risk of pneumonia.
The risk of pneumonia ranged from 3 to 12% during the first year after enrollment.
The risk of exacerbation ranged from 31 to 82% during the first year after enrollment.
Risk factors for pneumonia:
(1) low body mass index (BMI < 25 kg per square meter)
(2) history of >= 2 exacerbations, or male >= 65 years with < 2 exacerbations
(3) GOLD stage III or IV
(4) inhaled corticosteroid therapy (with BMI < 25 kg per square meter)
Risk factors for exacerbations:
(1) history of >= 2 exacerbations
(2) GOLD stage III or IV
(3) female sex
(4) absence of inhaled corticosteroid therapy
