Acute exacerbations of COPD: risk factors for failure and relapse

Abstract

Marco Mantero,1,2 Paola Rogliani,3 Marta Di Pasquale,1,2 Eva Polverino,4 Ernesto Crisafulli,5 Monica Guerrero,6 Andrea Gramegna,1,2 Mario Cazzola,3 Francesco Blasi1,2 1Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 2Internal Medicine Department, Respiratory Unit and Regional Adult Cystic Fibrosis Center, IRCCS Fondazione Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, 3Respiratory Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy; 4Respiratory Disease Department, Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron (HUVH), Institut de Recerca Vall d’Hebron (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; 5Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Disease and Lung Function Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; 6Hospital d’Igualada, Consorci Socisanitari de l’Anoia, Barcelona, Spain Abstract: Acute exacerbations are a leading cause of worsening COPD in terms of lung ­function decline, quality of life, and survival. They also have a relevant economic burden on the health care system. Determining the risk factors for acute exacerbation and early relapse could be a crucial element for a better management of COPD patients. This review analyzes the current knowledge and underlines the main risk factors for recurrent acute exacerbations. Comprehensive evaluation of COPD patients during stable phase and exacerbation could contribute to prevent treatment failure and relapses. Keywords: infections, prevention, treatment, COPD, exacerbations 

Keywords

• Infections
• prevention
• treatment
• COPD
• exacerbations