COPD Patients Face 1.8 Times Higher Risk of Death After COVID-19 Infection

NIH: Death Risk Five Times Higher for COPD Patients After Severe COVID-19

Critical Risk in First 30 Days of Recovery...

Need for Tailored Management and Intensive Monitoring

A study has found that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face a 1.4 times higher risk of rapid deterioration and a 1.8 times higher risk of death after contracting COVID-19.

Comparison of mortality risk due to COVID-19 infection. National Institute of Health.

According to an analysis by the National Institute of Health under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, released on May 7, data from the National Health Insurance Service showed that COPD patients who had experienced COVID-19 had a 1.8 times higher risk of death and a 1.4 times higher risk of acute exacerbation compared to those who had not been infected.

Notably, among severe COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization, the risk of death during the recovery process increased by up to 5.1 times, and the risk of acute exacerbation rose by up to 3 times. Acute exacerbation in COPD patients was defined as cases involving outpatient or emergency room visits accompanied by prescriptions for systemic steroids or antibiotics. Severe COVID-19 referred to cases requiring respiratory support or intensive care during hospitalization.

In a long-term follow-up of 2,499 COPD patients who had recovered from COVID-19, the mortality rate in the recovered group was 4.8%, significantly higher than the 2.7% observed in the control group. Particularly, patients who had suffered from severe COVID-19 had a 5.1 times higher risk of death compared to the control group. This increase in risk was most pronounced within the first 30 days, during which the risk of death rose more than 20 times.

Comparison of the risk of acute exacerbation due to COVID-19 infection. National Institute of Health

In a second study analyzing 2,118 COPD patients who had recovered from COVID-19, the overall risk of acute exacerbation among those with a history of infection increased by 1.4 times. Specifically, among severe COVID-19 patients, the risk of severe acute exacerbation requiring hospitalization or emergency room visits surged by up to 8.1 times within the first 30 days after recovery.

The lead researcher, Professor Moon Jiyong of the Department of Pulmonology and Allergy at Konkuk University Medical Center, stated, "It is crucial for COPD patients to receive vaccination to prevent COVID-19 infection." He advised, "If infected, it is important to closely monitor for acute exacerbation and changes in health status for at least 30 days after being declared cured." Professor Moon also added, "Especially for patients who have experienced severe COVID-19, active consideration should be given to respiratory rehabilitation in the early recovery phase, and signs of acute exacerbation should be detected early through regular outpatient visits for at least three to six months."

Kim Wonho, Director of the Chronic Disease Convergence Research Division at the National Institute of Health, said, "This study provides quantitative evidence that COVID-19 can affect the long-term prognosis of COPD patients." He emphasized, "Since severe COVID-19 patients have a particularly high risk of death and acute exacerbation during the first 180 days after recovery, intensive monitoring and vigilance by healthcare providers are necessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.