Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations: Recommendations for Diagnosis,Treatment and Care

ObjectiveTo describe an evidence- and experience-based expert consensus on the most relevant issues of patients with COPD exacerbations.MethodsThe Delphi technique was used. Evidence was reviewed by a scientific committee and 60 experts. A questionnaire was prepared containing 3 sections: diagnosis of the exacerbator; treatment, and healthcare processes. The survey was answered in 2 rounds by 60 pneumologists on an online platform. Statements were scored on a Likert scale from 1 (total disagreement) to 9 (total agreement). Agreement and disagreement were defined as a score of 7–9 or 1–3, respectively, given by more than two thirds of the participants.ResultsA total of 48 statements were included, one of which was added in the second round. Consensus was reached in 37 items (78.7%) after the first round (agreement), and in 43 (89.5%) after the second round (42 agreement, 1 disagreement). The statements with the highest proportion of experts agreeing were as follows: in exacerbators, chronic bronchial infection favors lung function decline (93.1%); long-acting bronchodilators should not be withdrawn (93.1%); treatment must be personalized if new exacerbations occur despite optimal bronchodilator treatment (96.6%); management must be coordinated between primary care and the respiratory medicine department (93.1%), and patients must be followed up in specific integrated multicomponent programs (94.8%).ConclusionsThe findings of this study could assist in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD exacerbators in our area.