Prognostic factors for mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in intensive care

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable progressive condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation. Objective: To identify prognostic factors for mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the intensive care unit. Method: A descriptive, longitudinal, prospective study was conducted from January 2023 to December 2024 at the “Abel Santamaría Cuadrado” General Teaching Hospital. The study population consisted of 43 patients admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results: In terms of incidence, among those over 69 years of age, women, Caucasians, and smokers, 46.10% had more than two previous hospitalizations and needed ventilatory support (76.74%). The overall mortality was 53.48%, with a high number of comorbidities and a low incidence of respiratory infection. High-risk stratification was observed in 74.41% of patients, and acute episodes were assessed as severe or very severe in 53.48% of patients. Conclusions: Multidimensional assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including previous hospitalization, age, comorbidities, need for ventilatory support, risk stratification, and severity assessment of acute episodes, is an indicator of the need for specialized care and mortality.