Correlation of frequency of exacerbations with the BODE index in COPD patients.

Background: In recent research B. Celli et al. (N Engl J Med 2004;350:1005-12) proposed a complex grading system (which they designated by BODE) for predicting the mortality risk in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the BODE index in COPD patients with frequent exacerbations and in those with infrequent exacerbations.

Methods: A 1-year retrospective study was performed in 76 patients with COPD of mean (Sx) age of 59.1 (8.6) years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted (FEV1%) = 35 (13)%. Exacerbations were ascertained retrospectively by patient interview and from records of treatment such as healthcare databases; the effect of frequent or infrequent exacerbations (> or < 2.3 per year) on the BODE index was examined.

Results: A total of 178 exacerbations were recorded. Exacerbation frequency was correlated significantly to BODE index (r = 0.36; P = 0.002). There was a statistically significant difference in the BODE index score (5.6 +/- 2.5 vs 4.1 +/- 1.5; P = 0.002) between the frequent and infrequent exacerbators.

Conclusions: COPD patients who experienced frequent exacerbations in a previous year have significantly higher BODE score than those who experience infrequent exacerbations.