Clinical Profile and Outcomes of COVID-19 Positive Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in a Tertiary Government COVID-19 Referral Center

Abstract

Introduction. It is anticipated that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has greater risk in acquiring
COVID-19 infection and poorer outcome. However, current worldwide data are conflicting.

Objectives. This study primarily aims to compare the outcomes of COVID-19 patients with COPD and those without COPD in terms of length of hospital stay (LOS), recovery or mortality, treatment received, and predictors of mortality.

Methods. This is a retrospective cohort chart review of 1,017 admitted adult COVID-19 patients from July to
December 2020. Age, gender, smoking status, current control and medications for COPD, COVID-19 severity,
symptoms, treatment, and outcomes of the two study groups were compared.

Results. Prevalence rate of COPD was 3.8%. COVID-19 patients with COPD were older (median age of 69 vs 54,
p<0.001), male (87% vs 50%, p<0.001), hypertensive (72% vs 48%, p=0.004), and with tuberculosis (31% vs 11%,
p=0.002). COVID-19 patients with COPD more commonly needed oxygen therapy, High Flow Nasal Cannula,
Mechanical Ventilation, Tocilizumab, Convalescent Plasma Therapy and Dexamethasone, and had longer LOS.
Significant risk factors for mortality are malignancy, investigational therapies, smoking, and older age. There was no difference in survival rates between the two groups.

Conclusion. COPD increases the risk for severe COVID-19 and lengthens LOS.