PREVALENCE OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM IN PATIENTS SUFFERING FROM ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
Main Article Content
Keywords
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD exacerbation & pulmonary embolism.
Abstract
To determine the frequency of pulmonary embolism in patients presented with COPD exacerbations.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from July 2024 to December 2024. A total of 57 patients with COPD exacerbations were analyzed. COPD was defined as: if the ratio of FEVI/FVC was < 0.7 on post-bronchodilator spirometry, then it was considered a case of COPD. Demographic characteristics, vital signs, arterial blood gas, and chest x-ray details were noted. A complete blood count and pulmonary angiography were done to assess the presence of pulmonary embolism.
Results: A total of 57 patients with COPD exacerbation were included and analyzed. The mean age, BMI, and duration of COPD were 63.56±12.06 years, 23.45±23.45 kg/m2, and 17.72±10.31 years. There were 53(93.0%) male, and 4 (7.0%) females. There were 41 (71.9%) patients who belonged to rural areas. History of smoking was present in 55 (96.5%) patients. Seventeen (29.82%) patients were hypertensive, while 3 (5.26%) had diabetes mellitus. Frequency of PE in patient with COPD exacerbation was 8.8% (n=5/57). Relatively higher BMI was associated with the presence of PE (p=0.016).
Conclusion: The prevalence of pulmonary embolism was notable in patients with COPD exacerbations. Pulmonary embolism should be taken more seriously, especially when chest discomfort is present and no obvious infectious cause can be found.
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Kaleemullah
Senior lecturer, Pulmonology department, Sindh institute of urology and transplantation
Mujahid Hussain
Consultant pulmonologist, Pulmonology department, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi
Sobia Rehman
Senior lecturer, Pulmonology department, Sindh institute of urology and transplantation
Mehreen Umair
Consultant pulmonologist, Pulmonology department, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi
Abdul Rehman Azam
Critical care fellow, Pulmonology department, Sindh institute of urology and transplantation
Sohail Akhtar
Professor, Pulmonology department, Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi
