Mortality of COVID-19 is associated with comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalised patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with the outcome in matched COVID-19 patients without COPD. Methods Sixty-three COPD patients hospitalised for acute COVID-19 from March through August 2020 were retrospectively identified and 63 hospitalised COVID-19 patients without COPD were selected and matched for age, gender and month of hospital admission. Results COPD patients had a higher rate of comorbidities, especially cardiovascular disease, and a trend towards a higher 30-day mortality than control patients (35% vs. 22%). In the COPD group, high Charlson comorbidity index (p = 0.03) and previous cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.04) were associated with 30-day mortality in univariate analysis. Inhaled corticosteroids maintenance therapy was not associated with lower mortality. Conclusion COPD patients hospitalised for acute COVID-19 disease had significantly more comorbidities and a high risk of severe outcome and death within 30 days. Comorbidity, especially cardiovascular diseases, was associated with mortality among COPD patients.

Automated summary

This study compared the outcomes of hospitalized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COVID-19 with matched COVID-19 patients without COPD. The results showed that COPD patients had more comorbidities, especially cardiovascular diseases, and a higher trend of 30-day mortality. Factors associated with 30-day mortality included high Charlson comorbidity index and previous cerebrovascular disease. Inhaled corticosteroids maintenance therapy was not associated with lower mortality.