Pseudomonas infection and home oxygen therapy can increase readmission in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Repeated readmissions in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) lead to rapid deterioration of pulmonary function. The factors known to be associated with readmission are the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) assessment test, 6-minute walk test, COPD stage, and inhaler compliance. The purpose of this study was to analyze another risk factor of readmission within a month after treatment of AECOPD. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of AECOPD events admitted in Korea University Guro Hospital for 5 years. Clinical and laboratory parameters related to AECOPD were collected and analyzed. Of the total 588 of AECOPD events which needed hospitalization during the study period, 58 AECOPD events occurred within 30 days. The risk factors for readmission within 30 days were analyzed through comparison between the two groups (readmission group vs. non-readmission group). In univariate analysis, there were significant difference in length of hospital stay (P = 0.009), previous pneumococcal vaccination (P = 0.013), pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (P = 0.003), antibiotic usage before hospitalization (P = 0.025), and home oxygen therapy (P