Evaluation of Medical Comorbidities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients and its Impact on Outcomes in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background and Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Added to this, the presence of several comorbidities associated with COPD contributes to recurrent exacerbations, hospitalizations, and mortality. The objective was to recognize the important comorbidities of COPD, to improve patient outcomes in terms of length of stay, readmission, and mortality. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 subjects. Data were collected as per the study pro forma after taking informed consent from the study participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Chi-square/Fisher’s exact test was used to determine any association. Results Interpretation: One comorbidity was present in 42.0% of the subjects, followed by two in 36.0% and three or more in 22.0% of the study population. Comorbidities were commonly detected in males and those above 60 years of age. Cardiovascular comorbidities were most prevalent (80.0%). Diabetes was seen in 34.0% and anemia in 22.0%. The mean length of stay was 7.38 days (2–20 days), and the readmission rate was 14.0% and the mortality rate was 2.0% in patients with 3 or more comorbidities. Conclusions: Changes in lifestyle and the presence of common risk factors have resulted in an increase in the occurrence of comorbidities in patients with COPD. Comorbidities have a significant impact on the course of disease.