Predicting Factors Contributing to Length of Stay in Hospitalized Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients: The Role of the Emergency Room

Background: Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common cause of hospital admission and COPD patients usually have a long stay in hospital. Methods: The objective of this study was to identify factors predicting length of stay in patients with exacerbation of COPD when seen in the emergency room. We analyzed clinical and biological variables. Results: Patients with diminished breath sounds, systolic pressure higher than 140 mmHg, diastolic pressure higher than 90 mmHg and recent previous hospitalization for exacerbation of COPD had the longest hospital stay. Conclusions: Recognition of this clinical profile in the emergency room may help to increase efforts in order to diminish length of stay in these patients