Evidence-based On-call

Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Prognosis

Death is common ^b

particularly with worsening disease ^a

Note:

One in twelve die in hospital (8.6%: 95% CI: 3.7% to 13%) ^b
A quarter are dead within 3 years (23%: 95% CI: 21% to 26%) ^b
A fifth of patients on home oxygen are dead at 2 years (22%: 95% CI: 15% to 28%) ^a
A third with severe COPD and hypercapnia are dead at 6 months (33%: 95% CI: 30% to 36%) ^a ; 84% are dead at 3.5 years (80% to 89%) ^a
Half of elderly patients are dead within 7 years (48%: 95% CI: 46% to 50%) ^b