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Outcome
Wilkinson and coworkers followed over 1,000 exacerbations occurring in 128 patients with COPD over a 6-year period. Patients kept diary cards of symptoms and peak flows. Those individuals that sought medical care earlier in the course of their exacerbation had shorter exacerbations. More frequent treatment of the exacerbations led to improved quality of life, whereas delaying treatment increased the risk of hospitalization. Whether patient diaries and peak flow readings will be indicated in "poor perceivers/noncomplainers" in COPD requires further study.
1 Citation displayed.
Early Therapy Improves Outcomes of Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Tom M. A. Wilkinson, Gavin C. Donaldson, John R. Hurst, Terence A. R. Seemungal, and Jadwiga A. Wedzicha
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 169: 1298 -1303. First published online as doi:10.1164/rccm.200310-1443OC
[Abstract]
[Full text]
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