Editorial

In-hospital Death in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Authors: Janet M. Shapiro, MD

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is escalating in importance in the United States. With an aging population and the continued effects of cigarette smoking, the number of patients with COPD is growing. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.1 In COPD, the obstructive defect is incompletely reversible with bronchodilator therapy and is progressive. After an exacerbation, there is often a decline in quality of life and requirement for readmission within the next 6 months.2

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