ABSTRACT
Background:Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases the morbidity, hospital admissions, mortality, and strongly influence health-related quality of life. The aims of this study to know the Clinical profile of COPD and acute exacerbation, Role of clinical markers in diagnosis and follow up of exacerbation.Methods: A prospective study of a cohort of 60 patients hospitalized for AECOPD was undertaken to identify markers for frequent exacerbation and progression of disease. Advised to fill the SGRQ questionnaire, At the time of discharge 6MWT done and analyzed. C Reactive protein levels at the time of admission done and analyzed. Sputum grams stain culture, total counts and differential counts done and analyzed. At the time of discharge spirometry done both pre and post bronchodilators by using asthalin inhaler with or without spacer, results were analyzed.Results:There was statistically significant drop in the SPO2 levels in frequent exacerbators over 6 months follow up time. There was statistically significant elevation of sputum Neutrophil counts in frequent exacerbators and Eosinophil counts in infrequent exacerbators, there was a drop in the CRP levels of from the time of initial exacerbation to 6 months follow up time. There was statistically significant drop in FEV1 in frequent exacerbators over 6 months follow up study. The drop of 6MWT was more in patients, who had frequent exacerbations.Conclusions:Patients with more frequent exacerbation have more symptoms, drop in the saturation level and have more sputum neutrophil counts. Patients with more frequent exacerbations will have more deterioration of lung functions (FEV1.6MWT).