Predictors of Acute Exacerbations in COPD: A Systematic Review

Based on the highest relative statistical significance, combined with the best overall risk of bias, the most promising predictors of AECOPD are history of ≥1 AECOPD, higher SGRQ-C scores, elevated fibrinogen levels, and worse COPD GOLD (2-4, B-D). Future research should focus on standardization of AECOPD and predictor definitions, including the use of clearly defined cut-off values. Given the complexity and heterogeneity of COPD, combining diverse predictor domains into composite measures may enhance predictive accuracy of AECOPD, and the integration of such composites is promising for advancing COPD management in clinical practice.