Are Comorbidities Related to Frequent Severe Exacerbations of AECOPD

INTRODUCTION: Relationship between comorbidities and COPD is two-sided. While the number of comorbidities increasing, the frequency of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) is increasing, too. Comorbidity indexes can be used for recognition of comorbidities while managing COPD patients. In the present study, it is aimed to compare comorbidity indexes such as Charlson Comorbidity Index, COMCOLD and COTE in the matter of exacerbation frequency.

METHOD: Subjects hospitalized for AECOPD, admitted to the study. Exacerbation severity, frequency, further exacerbations for a 1-year period in the follow-up period and CCI, COMCOLD and COTE scores were recorded. High and low comorbidity groups were compared for AECOPD frequency, severity, and further exacerbations.