Complex DECAF scores prolong the hospital stay of patients suffering from COPD

Abstract

Objective: Patients with Complex the Dyspnoea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidaemia, and atrial Fibrillation (DECAF) scores prolong the hospital stay of patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Methods:  Patients admitted to respiratory wards in tertiary care hospital, Baluchistan with COPD between June 2016 to September, 2015 were prospectively reviewed and DECAF score applied to each patient. Duration of hospitalization was then correlated with total DECAF scores. Results:  Out of 118 total admissions, 103 were reviewed as 15 patients died. 71% were male, mean age was 69.6 years and average of 15 days of hospitalization. The duration was longest in those with DECAF scores of 3-5 and lowest in those with scores of 0-1. Conclusion:  The DECAF Score is a simple and effective clinical tool that can risk stratify hospitalized patients with COPD and could therefore help clinicians managing this fatal condition.