Abstract
Background: Co-morbidities and exacerbations in COPD patients have a significant impact on health status and prognosis. Little is known about the prevalence of co-morbidities and exacerbations in COPD patients in Slovenia.
Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of co-morbidities and exacerbations in COPD patients who visit out-patient clinics in Slovenia.
Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional and observational study was performed in 24 out-patients clinics in Slovenia from December 2013 to February 2014. The medical records of COPD patients who visited out-patient clinics were studied. The data about sex, age, stage of the disease, co-morbidities and exacerbations were put in the web-based questioner.
Results: A total number of 290 patients with COPD were included in the study. The mean age was 65,7 years, 75% of patients were males and 25% females. The most common co-morbidities were arterial hypertension (62%), depression and anxiety (26%) and ischemic heart disease (23%). The prevalence of osteoporosis, chronic heart failure and depression increased with the severity of COPD. 62% of patients had at least one exacerbation in the last year, 32% of patients had frequent exacerbations.
Conclusions: Co-morbidities often coexist with COPD in Slovenia, too. One third of COPD patients who visit out-patient clinics had frequent exacerbations.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015