M23 COPD exacerbations of longer duration worsens health related quality of life

Introduction

Patient’s quality of life is related to the frequency of COPD exacerbations [Seemungal et al AJRCCM 1998: 157: 1418–1422]. There is increasing interest in reducing the duration of exacerbations but little evidence that this benefits patient’s quality of life.

Methods

We analysed data from 384 patients in the London COPD cohort collected between 1995 and 2012. Patients completed diary cards recording...