Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Spain and the different aspects of its social impact: a multidisciplinary opinion document.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the World, and one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity. In adults 40 years and older, it affects more than 10% of the population and has enormous personal, family and social burden. Tobacco smoking is its main cause, but not the only one, and there is probably a genetic predisposition that increases the risk in some patients. The paradigm of this disease is changing in Spain, with an increase of women that has occurred in recent years. Many of the physio pathological mechanisms of this condition are well known, but the psychological alterations to which it leads, the impact of COPD on relatives and caregivers, the limitation of daily life observed in these patients, and the economic and societal burden that they represent for the health system, are not so well-known. A major problem is the high under-diagnosis, mainly due to difficulties for obtaining, in a systematic way, spirometries in hospitals and health-care centers. For this reason, the Fundación de Ciencias de la Salud and the Spanish National Network Center for Research in Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES) have brought together experts in COPD, patients and their organizations, clinical psychologists, experts in health economics, nurses and journalists to obtain their opinion about COPD in Spain. They also discussed the scientific bibliometrics on COPD that is being carried out from the CIBERES and speculated on the future of this condition. The format of the meeting consisted in the discussion of a series of questions that were addressed by different speakers and discussed until a consensus conclusion was reached.

Consenso para el manejo de pacientes con EPOC según el índice CODEX / Consensus for managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to the CODEX index

El índice CODEX es la primera escala multicomponente diseñada para predecir el riesgo de mortalidad y reingresos al año en los pacientes hospitalizados por EPOC. Su cálculo incluye las comorbilidades medidas por el índice de Charlson (C), el grado de obstrucción valorado por el FEV1% (O), la disnea estratificada según la escala modificada del Medical Research Council (D) y las exacerbaciones en el año previo (EX). Nuestro objetivo fue elaborar recomendaciones basadas en los diferentes componentes del índice para un manejo terapéutico personalizado. Para ello se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica basada en guías, consensos y revisiones sistemáticas, como base para elaborar recomendaciones sobre: generalidades, comorbilidades, disnea, obstrucción pulmonar, exacerbaciones y seguimiento. Seguidamente, se sometieron a un proceso de valoración externo por un grupo multidisciplinar de 62 expertos. En total se realizaron 108 recomendaciones, de las cuales se alcanzó consenso en 96. Entre ellas se destaca que la EPOC debe considerarse como una enfermedad de riesgo cardiovascular alto y varias recomendaciones específicas sobre el manejo de las diferentes comorbilidades. Se consensuaron los tratamientos aconsejados para los diferentes niveles de obstrucción, disnea y exacerbaciones recomendados en las guías, adaptadas a las puntuaciones del CODEX. Se ofrecen también unos consejos para el seguimiento tras el alta hospitalaria del paciente, en los que se incluyen aspectos sobre la valoración, el tratamiento y la coordinación asistencial

The comorbidity, obstruction, dyspnoea, exacerbations (CODEX) index is the first multicomponent scale designed to predict the risk of readmissions and mortality at 1 year for patients hospitalised for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The index includes the comorbidities (C) (measured by the Charlson index), the degree of obstruction (O) (assessed by the forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage), dyspnoea (D) (stratified according to the modified Medical Research Council scale) and exacerbations (EX) in the previous year. Our objective was to prepare recommendations based on the index's various components for personalised therapeutic management. To this end, we performed a literature search based on guidelines, consensuses and systematic reviews, as a basis for preparing recommendations on basic concepts, comorbidities, dyspnoea, pulmonary obstruction, exacerbations and follow-up. The recommendations were then subjected to an external assessment process by a multidisciplinary group of 62 experts. In total, 108 recommendations were created, 96 of which achieved consensus, including the recommendation that COPD be considered a high-risk cardiovascular disease, as well as several specific recommendations on managing the various comorbidities. A consensus was reached on the recommended treatments in the guidelines for the various levels of obstruction, dyspnoea and exacerbations, adapted to the CODEX scores. Advice is also offered for patient follow-up after hospital discharge, which includes aspects on assessment, treatment and care coordination

Estudio de la rigidez arterial en pacientes con un evento coronario agudo y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica confirmada por espirometría / Study of arterial stiffness in patients with an acute coronary event and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease confirmed by spirometry

Antecedentes y objetivos: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) empeora el pronóstico de los pacientes con un evento coronario agudo (ECA) tratado con intervención coronaria percutánea. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto de la EPOC sobre la rigidez arterial en pacientes con un ECA. Métodos: Pacientes con un ECA tratado con intervención coronaria percutánea. Al mes se realizó una espirometría posbroncodilatación y se determinó la rigidez arterial y marcadores de daño miocárdico (troponina T y ProBNP). Resultados: Se incluyeron 68 pacientes, de los cuales un 33% tenían EPOC (59% no diagnosticados). Los pacientes con EPOC presentaron valores más altos de rigidez arterial tras ajustar por edad y cifras tensionales. Los niveles de troponina T y ProBNP fueron más altos en los pacientes con EPOC. Conclusiones: La rigidez arterial es mayor en los pacientes con un ECA si tienen EPOC concomitante. Estos hallazgos pueden ayudar a explicar el peor pronóstico de los pacientes con ambas patologías

Background and objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worsens the prognosis for patients with an acute coronary event (ACE) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Objective To assess the effect of COPD on arterial stiffness in patients with an ACE. Methods: The study included patients with an ACE treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. At 1 month, postbronchodilation spirometry was performed, and arterial stiffness and markers of myocardial damage (troponin T and ProBNP) were measured. Results: We included 68 patients, 33% of whom had COPD (59% undiagnosed). The patients with COPD presented higher arterial stiffness values after adjusting for age and blood pressure readings. The troponin T and ProBNP levels were higher in the patients with COPD. Conclusions: Arterial stiffness is greater in patients with an ACE if they have concomitant COPD. These findings can help explain the poorer prognosis of patients with both conditions

Consensus for managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to the CODEX index. / Consenso para el manejo de pacientes con EPOC según el índice CODEX.

The comorbidity, obstruction, dyspnoea, exacerbations (CODEX) index is the first multicomponent scale designed to predict the risk of readmissions and mortality at 1 year for patients hospitalised for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The index includes the comorbidities (C) (measured by the Charlson index), the degree of obstruction (O) (assessed by the forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage), dyspnoea (D) (stratified according to the modified Medical Research Council scale) and exacerbations (EX) in the previous year. Our objective was to prepare recommendations based on the index's various components for personalised therapeutic management. To this end, we performed a literature search based on guidelines, consensuses and systematic reviews, as a basis for preparing recommendations on basic concepts, comorbidities, dyspnoea, pulmonary obstruction, exacerbations and follow-up. The recommendations were then subjected to an external assessment process by a multidisciplinary group of 62 experts. In total, 108 recommendations were created, 96 of which achieved consensus, including the recommendation that COPD be considered a high-risk cardiovascular disease, as well as several specific recommendations on managing the various comorbidities. A consensus was reached on the recommended treatments in the guidelines for the various levels of obstruction, dyspnoea and exacerbations, adapted to the CODEX scores. Advice is also offered for patient follow-up after hospital discharge, which includes aspects on assessment, treatment and care coordination.

Study of arterial stiffness in patients with an acute coronary event and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease confirmed by spirometry. / Estudio de la rigidez arterial en pacientes con un evento coronario agudo y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica confirmada por espirometría.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worsens the prognosis for patients with an acute coronary event (ACE) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Objective To assess the effect of COPD on arterial stiffness in patients with an ACE. METHODS: The study included patients with an ACE treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. At 1 month, postbronchodilation spirometry was performed, and arterial stiffness and markers of myocardial damage (troponin T and ProBNP) were measured. RESULTS: We included 68 patients, 33% of whom had COPD (59% undiagnosed). The patients with COPD presented higher arterial stiffness values after adjusting for age and blood pressure readings. The troponin T and ProBNP levels were higher in the patients with COPD. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial stiffness is greater in patients with an ACE if they have concomitant COPD. These findings can help explain the poorer prognosis of patients with both conditions.

[Knowledge and attitudes of health care professionals in advance healthcare directives]. / Conocimientos y actitudes sobre voluntades anticipadas en profesionales sanitarios.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The advanced healthcare directive is a new style of health care relationship, based on the respect of the patients autonomous decisions: as well as a valuable tool that enables a proper management of the decisions made at the end of life. The objective of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of the health care professionals regarding the advance directives, as well as the resources for advanced care planning in a municipality of Madrid during 2016-2017. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on a population of Health care professionals of Primary and Specialised Care. The knowledge and attitudes questionnaire about the advance directives was used. Sociodemographic and knowledge variables related to resources for the advanced care planning. Statistical-descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 431 professionals were included, with a mean age of 44.55 years (SD: 11.1). As regards knowledge about advance directives, the mean score was 5.08 (SD 2.4), with statistically significant differences being found between professional groups. A small percentage (4.6%) of the professionals had their document of Advance directives ready, and 42% of professionals did not know if they were regulated by the Community of Madrid. Less than half (41.5%) of the professionals knew the palliative resources of their institution. CONCLUSIONS: The health care professional's knowledge about advance directives, as well as the resources for the advanced care planning, show deficiencies at training and information level. Almost half of the professionals did not know if these are regulated in the Community of Madrid. They also believe that it would be useful to plan, and very useful to have the Advance directives document ready.

Guía española de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (GesEPOC) 2017: tratamiento farmacológico en fase estable / Spanish guidelines for management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GesEPOC) 2017: pharmacological treatment of stable phase

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) presenta una gran heterogeneidad clínica, por lo que su tratamiento se debe individualizar según el nivel de riesgo y el fenotipo. La Guía española de la EPOC (GesEPOC) estableció por primera vez en 2012 unas pautas de tratamiento farmacológico basadas en fenotipos clínicos. Estas pautas han sido adoptadas posteriormente por otras normativas nacionales, y han sido respaldadas por nuevas evidencias publicadas desde entonces. En esta actualización 2017 se ha sustituido la clasificación de gravedad inicial por una clasificación de riesgo mucho más sencilla (bajo o alto riesgo), basándose en la función pulmonar, el grado de disnea y la historia de agudizaciones, y se recomienda la determinación del fenotipo clínico únicamente en pacientes de alto riesgo. Se mantienen los mismos fenotipos clínicos: no agudizador, EPOC-asma (ACO), agudizador con enfisema y agudizador con bronquitis crónica. La base del tratamiento farmacológico de la EPOC es la broncodilatación, y también es el único tratamiento recomendado en pacientes de bajo riesgo. En los pacientes con alto riesgo se añadirán diversos fármacos a los broncodilatadores según el fenotipo clínico. GesEPOC supone una aproximación al tratamiento de la EPOC más individualizado según las características clínicas de los pacientes y su nivel de riesgo o de complejidad.(AU)

The clinical presentation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) varies widely, so treatment must be tailored according to the level of risk and phenotype. In 2012, the Spanish COPD Guidelines (GesEPOC) first established pharmacological treatment regimens based on clinical phenotypes. These regimens were subsequently adopted by other national guidelines, and since then, have been backed up by new evidence. In this 2017 update, the original severity classification has been replaced by a much simpler risk classification (low or high risk), on the basis of lung function, dyspnea grade, and history of exacerbations, while determination of clinical phenotype is recommended only in high-risk patients. The same clinical phenotypes have been maintained: non-exacerbator, asthma-COPD overlap (ACO), exacerbator with emphysema, and exacerbator with bronchitis. Pharmacological treatment of COPD is based on bronchodilators, the only treatment recommended in low-risk patients. High-risk patients will receive different drugs in addition to bronchodilators, depending on their clinical phenotype. GesEPOC reflects a more individualized approach to COPD treatment, according to patient clinical characteristics and level of risk or complexity.(AU)

Valoración pronóstica de mortalidad y hospitalizaciones en pacientes ambulatorios con EPOC avanzada. Utilidad del índice CODEX / Prognostic assessment of mortality and hospitalizations of outpatients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Usefulness of the CODEX index

Objetivos: Validar el índice CODEX en pacientes ambulatorios con EPOC avanzada. Pacientes y métodos: Se estudió a todos los pacientes con EPOC controlados en una unidad de pacientes crónicos respiratorios. Se calcularon los índices BODEX y CODEX y su relación con mortalidad, hospitalizaciones o ambas, y se realizó un análisis por número de eventos (mortalidad o reingresos), mediante el análisis de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados: Se incluyó a 80 pacientes (90% varones) con una edad media de 73,4 años. El seguimiento medio fue de 656 días con un rango intercuartílico (25-75%) de 417-642 días. Un total de 17 pacientes fallecieron (21%) y 57 (71,3%) requirieron hospitalización por EPOC. El índice CODEX se relacionó significativamente con la mortalidad (p<0,008; HR: 1,56; IC 95%: 1,1-2,15), el ingreso hospitalario (p<0,01; HR: 1,35; IC 95%: 1,13-1,62) y la variable combinada (p<0,03; HR: 1,27; IC 95%: 1,1-1,5). El BODEX no se asoció con la mortalidad (p=0,17), pero sí con los ingresos (p<0,001; HR: 1,4; IC 95%: 1,15-1,73) y la variable combinada (p<0,03; HR: 1,2; IC 95%: 1,02-1,34). Durante el seguimiento se produjeron 187 eventos. Tanto el índice CODEX (p<0,001; HR:1,17; IC 95%:1,1-1,27) como el BODEX (p<0,02; HR: 1,12; IC 95%: 1,02-1,23) se relacionaron con el número de eventos, aunque tras ajustar por la interacción entre ambos índices solo el CODEX conservó la significación estadística para la variable combinada por pacientes (p<0,03) y en el análisis por número de eventos (p<0,001). Conclusiones: Tanto el CODEX como el BODEX son útiles en la predicción de ingresos hospitalarios, aunque la capacidad pronóstica del CODEX es superior al BODEX tanto en mortalidad como en ingresos hospitalarios

Objectives: To validate the CODEX index in outpatients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients and methods: We studied all patients with COPD treated in a chronic respiratory disease unit. We calculated the BODEX and CODEX indices and their relationship with mortality, hospitalisations or both and performed an analysis by number of events (mortality and/or readmissions), using the Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results: We included 80 patients (90% men) with a mean age of 73.4 years. The mean follow-up was 656 days, with an interquartile range (25-75%) of 417-642 days. Seventeen patients died (21%) and 57 (71.3%) required hospitalisation for COPD. The CODEX index was significantly related to mortality (P<.008; HR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.1-2.15), hospitalisations (P<.01; HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.13-1.62) and the combined variable (P<.03; HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.1-1.5). The BODEX index was not associated with mortality (P=.17) but was associated with hospitalisation (P<.001; HR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.15-1.73) and the combined variable (P<.03; HR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.02-1.34). There were 187 events during follow-up. Both the CODEX (P<.001; HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.1-1.27) and BODEX (P<.02; HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02-1.23) indices were related to the number of events. However, after adjusting for the interaction between the 2 indices, only the CODEX index maintained statistical significance for the combined variable for patients (P<.03) and in the analysis by number of events (P<.001). Conclusions: Both the CODEX and BODEX indices are useful for predicting hospitalisations, although the prognostic ability of the CODEX index is greater than that of the BODEX index, both for mortality and hospitalisations

Prognostic assessment of mortality and hospitalizations of outpatients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Usefulness of the CODEX index. / Valoración pronóstica de mortalidad y hospitalizaciones en pacientes ambulatorios con EPOC avanzada. Utilidad del índice CODEX.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the CODEX index in outpatients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied all patients with COPD treated in a chronic respiratory disease unit. We calculated the BODEX and CODEX indices and their relationship with mortality, hospitalisations or both and performed an analysis by number of events (mortality and/or readmissions), using the Cox proportional hazards analysis. RESULTS: We included 80 patients (90% men) with a mean age of 73.4 years. The mean follow-up was 656 days, with an interquartile range (25-75%) of 417-642 days. Seventeen patients died (21%) and 57 (71.3%) required hospitalisation for COPD. The CODEX index was significantly related to mortality (P<.008; HR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.1-2.15), hospitalisations (P<.01; HR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.13-1.62) and the combined variable (P<.03; HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.1-1.5). The BODEX index was not associated with mortality (P=.17) but was associated with hospitalisation (P<.001; HR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.15-1.73) and the combined variable (P<.03; HR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.02-1.34). There were 187 events during follow-up. Both the CODEX (P<.001; HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.1-1.27) and BODEX (P<.02; HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02-1.23) indices were related to the number of events. However, after adjusting for the interaction between the 2 indices, only the CODEX index maintained statistical significance for the combined variable for patients (P<.03) and in the analysis by number of events (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both the CODEX and BODEX indices are useful for predicting hospitalisations, although the prognostic ability of the CODEX index is greater than that of the BODEX index, both for mortality and hospitalisations.

Guía española de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (GesEPOC). Diagnóstico y tratamiento hospitalario de la agudización / Spanish COPD guidelines (GesEPOC): hospital diagnosis and treatment of COPD Exacerbation

Las agudizaciones de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), especialmente cuando precisan asistencia hospitalaria, son episodios que generan una notable morbimortalidad, gran carga asistencial y elevados costes, por lo que resulta prioritario reducir sus consecuencias, de acuerdo a las mejores evidencias científicas disponibles. El documento actual presenta las recomendaciones que establece la Guía Española de la EPOC (GesEPOC), para guiar el proceso diagnóstico y terapéutico del paciente con agudización que precisa asistencia hospitalaria. Como principales novedades, se proponen nuevas definiciones que tratan de diferenciar la aparición de una nueva agudización de otros conceptos vinculados como son la recaída o el fracaso terapéutico y se establece un proceso diagnóstico en 3 pasos dirigidos a: 1) establecer el diagnóstico de la agudización; 2) valorar su gravedad; y 3) identificar la etiología. Desde el punto de vista terapéutico, la guía propone una actuación en urgencias hospitalarias estructurada en 4 fases: 1) admisión y clasificación; 2) asistencia; 3) evolución, espera y observación; y 4) resolución, orientación y transferencia. También se incluyen recomendaciones para el paciente hospitalizado, criterios de ingreso, de alta y pautas de seguimiento y control orientadas hacia los fenotipos clínicos. Finalmente, el documento incluye diversos estándares de calidad asistencial e indicadores específicos que pueden servir de ayuda para monitorizar la calidad de la atención y mejorar los resultados (AU)

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) generate significant morbidity and mortality, increasing the health care burden and raising costs, particularly when hospital admission is required. Applying high-quality evidence-based methods to attenuate the impact of exacerbations is therefore a high priority. The Spanish COPD Guidelines (GesEPOC) provide recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with exacerbated COPD requiring hospital care. New definitions are proposed in the interest of differentiating a new COPD exacerbation from therapeutic failure, relapse, and related concepts. The guidelines propose a 3-step diagnostic process: 1) establish the diagnosis of COPD exacerbation; 2) assess its severity, and 3) establish the etiology. For emergency department management of the exacerbation, the guidelines set out 4 phases: 1) admission and classification; 2) treatment;3) observation to monitor clinical course; and 4) resolution of the crisis, with orientation of future care and transfer or discharge. GesEPOC also makes recommendations for care of the admitted patient, including admission and discharge criteria as well as follow-up protocols according to clinical phenotype. Finally, quality-of-care standards are discussed along with specific quality indicators that can be helpful for monitoring the care process and improving outcomes (AU)

Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. ¿Los tiempos están cambiando? / Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Are the times changing?

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una de las afecciones más prevalentes, y que provoca mayor morbimortalidad en nuestro país. En la actualidad la EPOC se considera una afección tratable, de origen inflamatorio y frecuentemente asociada a otras enfermedades, cuya prevalencia está claramente aumentada en los pacientes con EPOC, independientemente de otras variables de confusión como el tabaquismo. Los tratamientos actuales han demostrado frenar la pérdida de función pulmonar, disminuir el número de exacerbaciones, mejorar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y prolongar la supervivencia. La recuperación de los fenotipos clásicos y de otros nuevos como el de los pacientes con exacerbaciones frecuentes o el de EPOC con comorbilidad asociada, deberían permitirnos individualizar los tratamientos, al mismo tiempo que los avances en investigación genética y de los mecanismos inflamatorios nos permitirán conocer mejor la enfermedad y añadir nuevas terapias a las ya existentes(AU)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent diseases and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Spain. Currently, COPD is considered a treatable disease with an inflammatory origin that is frequently associated with other diseases. The prevalence of comorbidity is clearly increased in patients with COPD, irrespective of other confounding variables such as smoking. Current treatments have been proven to slow the loss of lung function, decrease the number of exacerbations and improve health-related quality of life and survival. New advances regarding the classics and more recent phenotypes such as patients with frequent exacerbations or COPD with associated comorbidity should allow for more individualized treatment while advances in genetic research and inflammatory mechanisms of the disease will help us to increase our knowledge of the disease and the development of new treatments(AU)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Are the times changing?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent diseases and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Spain. Currently, COPD is considered a treatable disease with an inflammatory origin that is frequently associated with other diseases. The prevalence of comorbidity is clearly increased in patients with COPD, irrespective of other confounding variables such as smoking. Current treatments have been proven to slow the loss of lung function, decrease the number of exacerbations and improve health-related quality of life and survival. New advances regarding the classics and more recent phenotypes such as patients with frequent exacerbations or COPD with associated comorbidity should allow for more individualized treatment while advances in genetic research and inflammatory mechanisms of the disease will help us to increase our knowledge of the disease and the development of new treatments.

Comorbilidades en pacientes hospitalizados por enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Análisis comparativo de los estudios ECCO y ESMI / Comorbidities in patients hospitalized due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A comparative analysis of the ECCO and ESMI studies

Antecedentes y objetivos. La presencia de enfermedades asociadas es muy frecuente en los pacientes hospitalizados por exacerbación de EPOC. Hemos estudiado las comorbilidades de pacientes ingresados por la enfermedad en los servicios de Medicina Interna españoles y hemos valorado las variaciones con respecto a un estudio previo (estudio ECCO), realizado 2 años antes. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio de cohortes, transversal y multicéntrico. Se incluyeron pacientes hospitalizados por exacerbación de EPOC en los servicios de Medicina Interna españoles. A todos los pacientes se les estudió la presencia de comorbilidades mediante el índice de Charlson y un cuestionario con afecciones relevantes no incluidas en este índice. Además, se recogieron datos espirométricos, sobre la duración de la enfermedad o el tratamiento domiciliario, entre otras variables. Resultados. Se estudiaron 1.004 pacientes (398 en el estudio ECCO y 606 en el ESMI), un 89,4% eran varones, con una edad media de 73 años (DE: 9,5 años). Los pacientes del estudio ESMI obtuvieron mayores puntuaciones en el índice de Charlson (3,04 vs. 2,71; p<0,01), y presentaron una mayor prevalencia de cardiopatía isquémica (17 vs. 22,0%; p<0,05), insuficiencia cardiaca (26,9 vs. 35,5%; p<0,002), enfermedad vascular periférica (12,6 vs. 17,4%; p<0,02), hipertensión arterial (54,8 vs. 65,6%; p<0,001), diabetes mellitus (29,4 vs. 37%; p<0,02) e insuficiencia renal (6,5 vs. 16,8%; p<0,0001). Conclusiones. Este estudio confirma la elevada prevalencia de enfermedades asociadas en los pacientes con EPOC que ingresan en los servicios de Medicina Interna españoles, así como el aumento de comorbilidades(AU)

Backgrounds and objectives. The presence of associated diseases is very frequent in patients hospitalized due to exacerbation of COPD. We have studied the comorbidities of patients admitted due to the disease in the Spanish Internal Medicine Services and we have evaluated the variations in regards to a previous study (ECCO study) performed two years earlier. Patients and methods. A cross-sectional, multicenter and cohort study was performed. Patients hospitalized due to exacerbation of COPD in Spanish Internal Medicine Services were enrolled. All the patients were studied for the presence of comorbidity using the Charlson index and a questionnaire with relevant conditions not included in this index. Furthermore, spirometric data were collected on the duration of the disease or home treatment, among other variables. Results. A total of 1004 patients (398 in the ECCO study and 606 in the ESMI study) were studied. Of these, 89.4% were males, with mean age of 73 years (SD: 9.5 years). The patients of the ESMI study obtain higher scores on the Charlson index (3.04 vs. 2.71; P<0.01), and had a greater prevalence of ischemic heart disease (17 vs. 22.0%; P<0.05), heart failure (26.9 vs. 35.5%; P<.002), peripheral vascular disease (12.6 vs. 17.4%; P<.02), arterial hypertension (54.8 vs. 65.6%; P<.001), diabetes mellitus (29.4 vs. 37%; P<.02) and renal failure (6.5 vs. 16.8%; P<.0001). Conclusions. This study confirms the elevated prevalence of associated diseases in patients with COPD who are admitted to the Spanish Internal Medicine Services and the increase of comorbidities(AU)

[Comorbidities in patients hospitalized due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A comparative analysis of the ECCO and ESMI studies]. / Comorbilidades en pacientes hospitalizados por enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Análisis comparativo de los estudios ECCO y ESMI.

BACKGROUNDS AND OBJECTIVES: The presence of associated diseases is very frequent in patients hospitalized due to exacerbation of COPD. We have studied the comorbidities of patients admitted due to the disease in the Spanish Internal Medicine Services and we have evaluated the variations in regards to a previous study (ECCO study) performed two years earlier. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicenter and cohort study was performed. Patients hospitalized due to exacerbation of COPD in Spanish Internal Medicine Services were enrolled. All the patients were studied for the presence of comorbidity using the Charlson index and a questionnaire with relevant conditions not included in this index. Furthermore, spirometric data were collected on the duration of the disease or home treatment, among other variables. RESULTS: A total of 1004 patients (398 in the ECCO study and 606 in the ESMI study) were studied. Of these, 89.4% were males, with mean age of 73 years (SD: 9.5 years). The patients of the ESMI study obtain higher scores on the Charlson index (3.04 vs. 2.71; P<0.01), and had a greater prevalence of ischemic heart disease (17 vs. 22.0%; P<0.05), heart failure (26.9 vs. 35.5%; P<.002), peripheral vascular disease (12.6 vs. 17.4%; P<.02), arterial hypertension (54.8 vs. 65.6%; P<.001), diabetes mellitus (29.4 vs. 37%; P<.02) and renal failure (6.5 vs. 16.8%; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the elevated prevalence of associated diseases in patients with COPD who are admitted to the Spanish Internal Medicine Services and the increase of comorbidities.

[Study of the comorbidities in hospitalized patients due to decompensated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attended in the Internal Medicine Services. ECCO Study]. / Estudio de las comorbilidades en pacientes hospitalizados por descompensación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica atendidos en los servicios de Medicina Interna. Estudio ECCO.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate comorbidity in patients hospitalized due to COPD in the Internal Medicine services. METHODS: An observational, prospective and multicenter study. The Charlson index and a specific questionnaire were used. RESULTS: A total of 398 patients, 353 men (89%), with mean age of 73.7 years (8.9) and mean FEV(1) of 43.2% (12.5), were included. The most frequent comorbidities were: arterial hypertension (55%), arrhythmias (27%) and diabetes mellitus (26%). A total of 27% suffered heart failure, 17% coronary disease and 9% previous myocardial infarction. The number of associated chronic diseases was 3.6 (1,8). Score on Charlson index was 2.72 (2). CONCLUSIONS: The patients hospitalized due to decompensated COPD had an elevated comorbidity.

Estudio de las comorbilidades en pacientes hospitalizados por descompensación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica atendidos en los servicios de Medicina Interna. Estudio ECCO / Study of the comorbidities in hospitalized patients due to decompensated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attended in the Internal Medicine Services. ECCO Study

ObjetivoValorar la comorbilidad en pacientes hospitalizados por enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en los servicios de Medicina Interna.MétodosEstudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico. Se utilizó el índice de Charlson y un cuestionario específico.ResultadosSe incluyeron 398 pacientes, 353 varones (89%) con una edad media de 73,7 años (8,9) y volumen expiratorio máximo en el primer segundo medio del 43,2% (12,5). Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron hipertensión arterial (55%), arritmias (27%) y diabetes mellitus (26%). Un 27% tuvo insuficiencia cardíaca, un 17% tuvo enfermedad coronaria y un 9% tuvo infarto de miocardio previo. El número de enfermedades crónicas asociadas fue de 3,6 (1,8) y la puntuación del índice de Charlson fue de 2,72 (2).ConclusionesLos pacientes hospitalizados por descompensación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica tienen una comorbilidad elevada(AU)

ObjectiveEvaluate comorbidity in patients hospitalized due to COPD in the Internal Medicine services.MethodsAn observational, prospective and multicenter study. The Charlson index and a specific questionnaire were used.ResultsA total of 398 patients, 353 men (89%), with mean age of 73.7 years (8.9) and mean FEV1 of 43.2% (12.5), were included. The most frequent comorbidities were: arterial hypertension (55%), arrhythmias (27%) and diabetes mellitus (26%). A total of 27% suffered heart failure, 17% coronary disease and 9% previous myocardial infarction. The number of associated chronic diseases was 3.6 (1,8). Score on Charlson index was 2.72 (2).ConclusionsThe patients hospitalized due to decompensated COPD had an elevated comorbidity(AU)