Current GOLD recommendations and its implementation within hospitalised COPD patients in Malta

In 2012, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) revised their classification of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients, incorporating spirometry, symptoms and recent exacerbations. The sims and objectives was to assess if patients admitted with an exacerbation of COPD were properly staged prior to the admission, and whether their treatment on presentation was in accordance with GOLD recommendations. All patients admitted to Mater Dei Hospital, Malta with a COPD exacerbation during February, May and August 2013 were studied. Spirometry was considered relevant if performed within the previous two years. The mMRC score of each patient, the number of exacerbations over the previous 12 months, and patient co-morbidities were also recorded.peer-reviewe