Background: COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, with a significant health related costs and increase in its prevalence. At present, the principal goals in treatment of COPD are directed to prevent through decrease in risk factors like tobacco smoking, and new treatments that decrease the frequency of exacerbations. We wanted to have a better understanding of COPD dynamics in our community. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data (demographics, laboratories, comorbidities, treatments, outcomes, readmissions rates) of 142 patients admitted from January to December 2010 at our institution with diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. Results: Out of the142 patients, 51% were male, and 49% were women. The mean age of the patients in this cohort was 66 years old (45 -91 years old). The main comorbidities were as follows: 71% of the patients were diagnosed with HTN. 56% presented with DM, among them, 43% were uncontrolled as per A1C levels. Chronic Heart Failure was present in 35% of the population. Hyperlipidemia was present on 40% of the cases. 26% of the patients presented with Chronic Kidney Disease. Finally, co-infection with HIV was seen in 6% of the patients. 23% of the patients were admitted with a diagnosis of Community Acquired Pneumonia while 67% presented with acute bronchitis. Anemia was found on 46% of the patients. Pulmonary hypertension was found on 47% of them, 17% of those patients had mild HTN, 60% had moderate HTN, and 22% presented severe HTN. 29% of the total patients showed echo-cardiograpic signs of right hearth failure. 37% required NIMV. Patients were admitted for 8 days in average.
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