Viral Infections in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbations

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity due to repeated exacerbations. The impact of viral infections during and outside COPD exacerbations is poorly understood and there is only scarce data on the role of new biological markers of infection for the management of COPD exacerbations.

Objectives of the project

The investigators aim to

• describe the epidemiology of viral infections in patients admitted with an exacerbation of their COPD;
• explore the evolution of viral infections outside exacerbations;
• analyze the impact of viral infections on clinical outcomes;
• explore the role of biological markers (CRP, procalcitonin) for the diagnosis and prognosis of viral infections.

Methods

The investigators will prospectively follow-up 100 patients admitted with an acute exacerbation of their COPD. Virological samples will be obtained at admission and at 3 months, to explore the evolution outside episodes of acute exacerbation. Clinical information will be obtained after one-year follow-up. Samples will be tested by RT-PCR for 15 respiratory viruses. The impact of viral infections and the role of biological markers will be explored using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.

Inclusion criteria

• All consecutive patients known or suspected for moderate to very severe COPD and admitted in the emergency center for an acute exacerbation of their COPD
• Age above 18 years
• We plan to include 100 patients with a complete work-up and follow-up
• Written informed consent will be obtained from every participant

Exclusion criteria

• Patients requiring oro-tracheal intubation
• Patients unable to give their informed consent due to their clinical condition
• Other obvious cause of dyspnea (pulmonary embolism, acute pulmonary edema, lobar pneumonia)
• Patients suffering from bronchiectasis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and mineral dust pneumoconiosis
• Patients with a history of active tuberculosis
• Patients with a history of ischemic cerebral stroke and subsequent deglutition dysfunction