COPD exacerbation resident survival guide: Difference between revisions

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'''1. Oxygen Supplement''' <BR> ❑ Pulse oximetry (maintain Sa<sub>O<sub>2</sub></sub> ≥88—92%)<ref name="Austin-2010">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Austin | first1 = MA. | last2 = Wills | first2 = KE. | last3 = Blizzard | first3 = L. | last4 = Walters | first4 = EH. | last5 = Wood-Baker | first5 = R. | title = Effect of high flow oxygen on mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in prehospital setting: randomised controlled trial. | journal = BMJ | volume = 341 | issue =  | pages = c5462 | month =  | year = 2010 | doi =  | PMID = 20959284 }}</ref> <BR> ❑ Arterial blood gas (if acute or acute-on-chronic respiratory failure is suspected)</div>}}
'''1. Oxygen Supplement''' <BR> ❑ Pulse oximetry (maintain Sa<sub>O<sub>2</sub></sub> ≥88—92%)<ref name="Austin-2010">{{Cite journal  | last1 = Austin | first1 = MA. | last2 = Wills | first2 = KE. | last3 = Blizzard | first3 = L. | last4 = Walters | first4 = EH. | last5 = Wood-Baker | first5 = R. | title = Effect of high flow oxygen on mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in prehospital setting: randomised controlled trial. | journal = BMJ | volume = 341 | issue =  | pages = c5462 | month =  | year = 2010 | doi =  | PMID = 20959284 }}</ref> <BR> ❑ Arterial blood gas (if acute or acute-on-chronic respiratory failure is suspected)</div>}}
{{Family tree |!|}}
{{Family tree |!|}}
{{Family tree |border=2|boxstyle=background:WhiteSmoke;|)|C1|C1=<div style="float: left; text-align: left; height: 7em; width: 39em; padding: 1em">
{{Family tree |border=2|boxstyle=background:WhiteSmoke;|)|C1|C1=<div style="float: left; text-align: left; height: 7em; width: 39em; padding: 1em"><div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''2. Indications for ICU Admission'''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"> ❑ Hemodynamic instability <BR> ❑ Changes in mental status (confusion, lethargy, coma) <BR> ❑ Severe dyspnea that responds inadequately to initial emergency therapy <BR> ❑ Worsening hypoxemia (Pa<sub>O<sub>2</sub></sub> <40 mm Hg) and/or respiratory acidosis (pH <7.25)</div></div></div>}}
'''2. Indications for ICU Admission'''<BR> ❑ Hemodynamic instability <BR> ❑ Changes in mental status (confusion, lethargy, coma) <BR> ❑ Severe dyspnea that responds inadequately to initial emergency therapy <BR> ❑ Worsening hypoxemia (Pa<sub>O<sub>2</sub></sub> <40 mm Hg) and/or respiratory acidosis (pH <7.25)</div>}}
{{Family tree |!| | |!|}}
{{Family tree |!| | |!|}}
{{Family tree |border=2|boxstyle=background:WhiteSmoke;|!| |D1|D1=<div style="float: left; text-align: left; height: 23em; width: 40em; padding: 1em">'''2a. Indications for Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation''' <BR> ❑ Respiratory acidosis (arterial pH < 7.35 or Pa<sub>CO<sub>2</sub></sub> >45 mm Hg) <BR> ❑ Severe dyspnea with sings of respiratory muscle fatigue <BR> ❑ Increased work of breathing
{{Family tree |border=2|boxstyle=background:WhiteSmoke;|!| |D1|D1=<div style="float: left; text-align: left; height: 23em; width: 40em; padding: 1em">'''2a. Indications for Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation''' <BR> ❑ Respiratory acidosis (arterial pH < 7.35 or Pa<sub>CO<sub>2</sub></sub> >45 mm Hg) <BR> ❑ Severe dyspnea with sings of respiratory muscle fatigue <BR> ❑ Increased work of breathing

Revision as of 13:32, 18 December 2013

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Definition

  • Exacerbation of COPD is an acute event characterized by a worsening of the patient’s respiratory symptoms that is beyond normal day-to-day variations and leads to a change in medication.[1][2][3]
  • The diagnosis of an exacerbation relies exclusively on the clinical presentation of the patient complaining of an acute change of symptoms (baseline dyspnea, cough, and/or sputum production) that is beyond normal day-to-day variation.[4]

Causes

Life-Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.

Common Causes

Treatment Setting

COPD Exacerbation
❑ Cough ↑
❑ Dyspnea ↑
❑ Sputum ↑
 
 
 
 
1. Oxygen Supplement
❑ Pulse oximetry (maintain SaO2 ≥88—92%)[5]
❑ Arterial blood gas (if acute or acute-on-chronic respiratory failure is suspected)
 
 
 
 
 
2. Indications for ICU Admission
❑ Hemodynamic instability
❑ Changes in mental status (confusion, lethargy, coma)
❑ Severe dyspnea that responds inadequately to initial emergency therapy
❑ Worsening hypoxemia (PaO2 <40 mm Hg) and/or respiratory acidosis (pH <7.25)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2a. Indications for Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation
❑ Respiratory acidosis (arterial pH < 7.35 or PaCO2 >45 mm Hg)
❑ Severe dyspnea with sings of respiratory muscle fatigue
❑ Increased work of breathing
2b. Indications for Invasive Mechanical Ventilation
❑ Diminished consciousness, psychomotor agitation inadequately controlled by sedation
❑ Severe hemodynamic instability without response to fluids and vasoactive drugs
❑ Respiratory pauses with loss of consciousness or gasping for air
❑ Life-threatening hypoxemia in patients unable to tolerate NIV
❑ Persistent inability to remove respiratory secretions
❑ Heart rate <50/min with loss of alertness
❑ Severe ventricular arrhythmias
❑ Respiratory or cardiac arrest
❑ Failure of initial trial of NIV
❑ Massive aspiration
 
 
 
 

3. Indications for Hospitalization
❑ Marked increase in intensity of symptoms (eg, sudden development of resting dyspnea)
❑ Presence of serious comorbidities (eg, heart failure or newly occurring arrhythmias)
❑ Failure of an exacerbation to respond to initial medical management
❑ Onset of new physical signs (eg, cyanosis, peripheral edema)
❑ Severe underlying COPD (GOLD 3—4 categories)
❑ Frequent exacerbations (≥2 events per year)
❑ Insufficient home support
❑ Older age (>65 years)


4. Assessment of Exacerbation
❑ Cardinal symptoms (↑ dyspnea, ↑ sputum volume, and ↑ sputum purulence)
❑ ECG (identify coexisting cardiac problems)
❑ Chest radiograph (exclude alternative diagnoses)
❑ Whole-blood count (identify polycythemia, anemia, or leukocytosis)
❑ Electrolytes and glucose (identify electrolyte disturbances or hyperglycemia)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Severe Exacerbation (⊕ 3 cardinal symptoms)
❑ Consider inpatient management
❑ Assess symptoms, ABG, and CXR
❑ Monitor fluid balance and nutrition
❑ Identify and treat associated conditions
❑ Consider subcutaneous heparin or LMWH
❑ Controlled oxygen therapy (consider NIV if indicated)
❑ Antibiotics (if ↑ sputum purulence or ⊕ bacterial infection)
❑ Corticosteroids
❑ Bronchodilators
▸ Increase doses/frequency of short-acting bronchodilators
▸ Combine short-acting β2-agonists and anticholinergics
▸ Use spacers or air-driven nebulizers


Moderate Exacerbation (⊕ 2 cardinal symptoms)
❑ Consider outpatient management
❑ Require a short course of antibiotics and/or oral corticosteroids


Mild Exacerbation (⊕ 1 cardinal symptom)
❑ Consider outpatient management
❑ Require change of inhaled treatment by the patient

Pharmacologic Treatment

β2-adrenergic agonists
Albuterol MDI 4—8 puffs IH q1—2h OR Nebulizer 2.5—5 mg IH q1—2h

Anticholinergics
Ipratropium MDI 4—8 puffs IH q1—2h OR Nebulizer 0.5 mg IH q1—2h


Methylxanthines
Aminophylline 0.9 mg/kg/hr IV
Theophylline 150—450 mg PO bid


Treatment Notes[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]
❑ Short-acting β2-agonists with or without short-acting anticholinergics are generally preferred
❑ Consider methylxanthine as an adjunct if inadequate response to bronchodilators


Corticosteroids
Prednisolone 30—40 mg PO q24h for 10—14 days (for mild/moderate exacerbation)
Methylprednisolone 125 mg IV q6h for 3 days (for severe exacerbation)
Treatment Notes[4][14][15][16]
Budesonide 400 mcg IH bid may be an alternative to oral corticosteroids
❑ Corticosteroids should be tapered over 2 weeks


Indications for Antibiotics
❑ Mechanical ventilation required
❑ Severe exacerbation (⊕ 3 cardinal symptoms)
❑ Moderate exacerbation with ↑ sputum purulence

Complicated COPD (⊕ Risk Factors)
❑ Age ≥65 years
❑ FEV1 ≤50% predicted
❑ ≥3 exacerbations per year
❑ Cardiac disease
Moxifloxacin 400 mg PO q24h
Gemifloxacin 320 mg PO q24h
Levofloxacin 500 mg PO q24h
Amoxicillin-Clavulanate 875/125 mg PO bid or 2000/125 mg PO bid or 500/125 mg PO q8h
Ciprofloxacin 750 mg PO q12h with sputum culture (if at risk for Pseudomonas)


Uncomplicated COPD (⌀ Risk Factors)
Azithromycin 500 mg PO q24h or 500 mg PO x1 dose followed by 250 mg PO q24h
Clarithromycinextended-release 1000 mg PO q24h
Cefuroxime axetil 250 or 500 mg PO q12h
Cefpodoxime 200 mg PO q12h
Cefdinir 300 mg PO q12h or 600 mg PO q24h
Doxycycline 100 mg PO bid
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole 160/800 mg PO bid


Treatment Notes[17][18]
❑ Antibiotic choice should reflect local resistance pattern
❑ Use alternative class if antibiotic exposure within 3 months
❑ Re-evaluate and consider sputum culture if failed to respond in 72 hours
❑ The recommended length of antibiotic therapy is usually 5—10 days

Checklist at Time of Discharge From Hospital

Action Items at Discharge
❑ Reinforce smoking cessation measures
❑ Assure effective home maintenance of pharmacotherapy regimen
❑ Reassess inhaler technique
❑ Educate about maintenance regimen
❑ Give instruction regarding completion of steroid therapy and antibiotics
❑ Assess need for long-term oxygen therapy
❑ Assure follow-up visit in 4—6 weeks
❑ Provide a management plan for comorbidities and their follow-up

Checklist at Follow-Up Visit 4—6 Weeks After Discharge

Action Items at Follow-Up Visit
❑ Smoking cessation measures
❑ Ability to cope in usual environment
❑ Reassess inhaler technique
❑ Measurement of FEV1
❑ Inhaler technique
❑ Understanding of recommended treatment regimen
❑ Need for long-term oxygen therapy and/or home nebulizer
❑ Capacity to do physical activity and activities of daily living
❑ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT)
❑ Modified British Medical Research Council questionnaire on breathlessness (mMRC)
❑ Status of comorbidities

Do's

Assessment

  • The presence of purulent sputum during an exacerbation can be sufficient indication for starting empirical antibiotic treatment.[19]

Treatment

Treatment Setting
  • When a patient comes to the ED, the first actions are to provide controlled oxygen therapy and to determine whether the exacerbation is life-threatening. If so, the patient should be admitted to the ICU immediately.[4]
Short-Acting Bronchodilators
  • A systematic review found no significant differences in FEV1 between MDI and nebulizers,[20] although the latter can be more convenient for sicker or frail patients.
Corticosteroids
  • Consensus on optimal corticosteroids dose and duration for COPD exacerbations has not been reached.[26]
Antibiotics
Adjunct Therapies
  • Healthcare providers should strongly enforce stringent measures against active cigarette smoking.[4]
Respiratory Support

Hospital Discharge and Follow-up

Prevention of COPD Exacerbations

  • Early outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation after hospitalization for an exacerbation is safe and results in clinically significant improvements in exercise capacity and health status at 3 months.[38]

Don'ts

Assessment

  • Spirometry is not recommended during an exacerbation because it can be difficult to perform and measurements are not accurate enough.[4]

Treatment

Adjunct Therapies
Respiratory Support
  • NIPPV is not considered in the following conditions:
Contraindications for NIPPV[40]
❑ Inability to cooperate/protect the airway
❑ Inability to clear respiratory secretions
❑ Facial surgery, trauma, or deformity
❑ Upper airway obstruction
❑ High risk for aspiration
❑ Cardiac or respiratory arrest
❑ Nonrespiratory organ failure
▸ Severe encephalopathy (e.g., GCS <10)
▸ Severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding
▸ Hemodynamic instability or unstable cardiac arrhythmia

References

  1. Burge, S.; Wedzicha, JA. (2003). "COPD exacerbations: definitions and classifications". Eur Respir J Suppl. 41: 46s–53s. PMID 12795331. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  2. Celli, BR.; Barnes, PJ. (2007). "Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease". Eur Respir J. 29 (6): 1224–38. doi:10.1183/09031936.00109906. PMID 17540785. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  3. Rodriguez-Roisin, R. (2000). "Toward a consensus definition for COPD exacerbations". Chest. 117 (5 Suppl 2): 398S–401S. PMID 10843984. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 Vestbo, J.; Hurd, SS.; Agustí, AG.; Jones, PW.; Vogelmeier, C.; Anzueto, A.; Barnes, PJ.; Fabbri, LM.; Martinez, FJ. (2013). "Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: GOLD executive summary". Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 187 (4): 347–65. doi:10.1164/rccm.201204-0596PP. PMID 22878278. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  5. Austin, MA.; Wills, KE.; Blizzard, L.; Walters, EH.; Wood-Baker, R. (2010). "Effect of high flow oxygen on mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in prehospital setting: randomised controlled trial". BMJ. 341: c5462. PMID 20959284.
  6. Stoller, JK. (2002). "Clinical practice. Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease". N Engl J Med. 346 (13): 988–94. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp012477. PMID 11919309. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Celli, BR.; MacNee, W. (2004). "Standards for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with COPD: a summary of the ATS/ERS position paper". Eur Respir J. 23 (6): 932–46. PMID 15219010. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. 8.0 8.1 Barberá, JA.; Reyes, A.; Roca, J.; Montserrat, JM.; Wagner, PD.; Rodríguez-Roisin, R. (1992). "Effect of intravenously administered aminophylline on ventilation/perfusion inequality during recovery from exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease". Am Rev Respir Dis. 145 (6): 1328–33. doi:10.1164/ajrccm/145.6.1328. PMID 1595998. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  9. 9.0 9.1 Emerman, CL.; Connors, AF.; Lukens, TW.; May, ME.; Effron, D. (1990). "Theophylline concentrations in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD". Am J Emerg Med. 8 (4): 289–92. PMID 2363749. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  10. 10.0 10.1 Lloberes, P.; Ramis, L.; Montserrat, JM.; Serra, J.; Campistol, J.; Picado, C.; Agusti-Vidal, A. (1988). "Effect of three different bronchodilators during an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease". Eur Respir J. 1 (6): 536–9. PMID 2971565. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  11. 11.0 11.1 Mahon, JL.; Laupacis, A.; Hodder, RV.; McKim, DA.; Paterson, NA.; Wood, TE.; Donner, A. (1999). "Theophylline for irreversible chronic airflow limitation: a randomized study comparing n of 1 trials to standard practice". Chest. 115 (1): 38–48. PMID 9925061. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  12. 12.0 12.1 Murciano, D.; Aubier, M.; Lecocguic, Y.; Pariente, R. (1984). "Effects of theophylline on diaphragmatic strength and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease". N Engl J Med. 311 (6): 349–53. doi:10.1056/NEJM198408093110601. PMID 6738652. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
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  14. 14.0 14.1 Maltais, F.; Ostinelli, J.; Bourbeau, J.; Tonnel, AB.; Jacquemet, N.; Haddon, J.; Rouleau, M.; Boukhana, M.; Martinot, JB. (2002). "Comparison of nebulized budesonide and oral prednisolone with placebo in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial". Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 165 (5): 698–703. doi:10.1164/ajrccm.165.5.2109093. PMID 11874817. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  15. Gunen, H.; Hacievliyagil, SS.; Yetkin, O.; Gulbas, G.; Mutlu, LC.; In, E. (2007). "The role of nebulised budesonide in the treatment of exacerbations of COPD". Eur Respir J. 29 (4): 660–7. doi:10.1183/09031936.00073506. PMID 17251232. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  16. Ställberg, B.; Selroos, O.; Vogelmeier, C.; Andersson, E.; Ekström, T.; Larsson, K. (2009). "Budesonide/formoterol as effective as prednisolone plus formoterol in acute exacerbations of COPD. A double-blind, randomised, non-inferiority, parallel-group, multicentre study". Respir Res. 10: 11. doi:10.1186/1465-9921-10-11. PMID 19228428.
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  18. The Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy. ISBN 1-9308-0874-7.
  19. Stockley, RA.; O'Brien, C.; Pye, A.; Hill, SL. (2000). "Relationship of sputum color to nature and outpatient management of acute exacerbations of COPD". Chest. 117 (6): 1638–45. PMID 10858396. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  20. Turner, MO.; Patel, A.; Ginsburg, S.; FitzGerald, JM. "Bronchodilator delivery in acute airflow obstruction. A meta-analysis". Arch Intern Med. 157 (15): 1736–44. PMID 9250235.
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  23. 23.0 23.1 Niewoehner, DE.; Erbland, ML.; Deupree, RH.; Collins, D.; Gross, NJ.; Light, RW.; Anderson, P.; Morgan, NA. (1999). "Effect of systemic glucocorticoids on exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study Group". N Engl J Med. 340 (25): 1941–7. doi:10.1056/NEJM199906243402502. PMID 10379017. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  24. Thompson, WH.; Nielson, CP.; Carvalho, P.; Charan, NB.; Crowley, JJ. (1996). "Controlled trial of oral prednisone in outpatients with acute COPD exacerbation". Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 154 (2 Pt 1): 407–12. doi:10.1164/ajrccm.154.2.8756814. PMID 8756814. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  25. Aaron, SD.; Vandemheen, KL.; Hebert, P.; Dales, R.; Stiell, IG.; Ahuja, J.; Dickinson, G.; Brison, R.; Rowe, BH. (2003). "Outpatient oral prednisone after emergency treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease". N Engl J Med. 348 (26): 2618–25. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa023161. PMID 12826636. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
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  40. "International Consensus Conferences in Intensive Care Medicine: noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in acute Respiratory failure". Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 163 (1): 283–91. 2001. doi:10.1164/ajrccm.163.1.ats1000. PMID 11208659. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)