In COPD, Having Certain Comorbidities Can Extend Hospital Stay

Certain comorbidities in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may lead to longer hospital stays, according to results of a new study.

In fact, having at least 1 comorbidity is associated with a 13% greater length of stay, with each comorbidity affecting the duration differently.

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To reach their conclusions, the researchers analyzed 3399 participants with COPD from the Premier health care database. The mean age of participants was 68.41 years. In total, participants had an average number of 24.83 comorbidities and a mean length of stay of 11.64 days.

Participants with congestive heart failure had a 28% greater length of stay, while participants with renal failure had a 50% greater length of stay.

Fluid and electrolyte disorders were associated with a 2-fold greater length of stay.

Conversely, uncomplicated diabetes was associated with a 13% shorter length of stay than not having uncomplicated diabetes.

According to the researchers, the link between COPD and comorbidities adds to the complexity of health care in those patients.

—Colleen Murphy

Reference:

Inabnit LS, Blanchette C, Ruban C. Comorbidities and length of stay in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients [published online October 1, 2018]. COPD. https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2018.1513470.