Prognostic Value of Dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia, Fibillation Score in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Introduction: The dyspnoea, eosinopenia, consolidation, acidaemia and atrial fibrillation (DECAF) score is a promising bedside tool for risk stratification in patients with AECOPD. Its use is well-established in various studies. However, its role in the Indian context has not yet been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the DECAF score’s prognostic value in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with AECOPD. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, TS Misra Medical College, Lucknow. All patients presenting with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria and visiting the hospital’s respiratory medicine department, were included in the study, with a convenient sampling of 50. DECAF score was classified as low risk (score of 0–1), intermediate risk (score of 2) and high risk (score of 3–6). Results: The mean age was 62.27 ± 9.77 years, with 66% males. The majority (56%) were aged 41–70 years, 46% had a smoking history and 78% presented with cough with expectoration. DECAF score stratification identified 50% of patients as low risk, 26% as intermediate risk, and 24% as high risk. Higher DECAF scores correlated with increased length of hospital stay (6.91 vs. 11.33 days, P < 0.001), mortality (33.3% in high-risk patients, P < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation requirement (58.3%). Survivors had lower mean DECAF scores (1.7 ± 1.1) than non-survivors (2.9 ± 1.3, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The DECAF score effectively predicts AECOPD outcomes, aiding early risk stratification and optimising patient management. Its simplicity and bedside applicability make it a valuable tool for guiding therapeutic decisions.