People with respiratory conditions like COPD have been at increased risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 measures have had a big impact on the diagnosis and follow-up of respiratory diseases. Decreases and delays in identifying new cancers and delivery of treatment will increase morbidity and mortality for years to come. The aim of the presented study was to evaluate possible differences in the discharge diagnosis of older patients with COPD with known lung cancer, first diagnosis of lung cancer, and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) [1]. Data from pre-pandemic (2019) was compared with data from during the pandemic (2020).
In total, 514 patients were included who were admitted in 2019 and 464 patients in 2020. The mean age was 70 years. In 2020, more patients (54/76, 71%) came from underdeveloped areas compared with 2019 (P<0.01).
Table: Discharge diagnosis before (2019) and during (2020) the COVID-19 pandemic [1]
In 2020, fewer patients with an LRTI were admitted compared with 2019 (see Table). In contrast, more patients were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2020 and more complications were seen in patients with known lung cancer in 2020 versus 2019.
To conclude, differences in discharge diagnosis could have been related to COVID-19 measures like quarantine and lack of monitoring of disease progression. Moreover, patients from lower socioeconomic classes had less adequate access to the public healthcare system in 2020 than in 2019.
- Dodos K, et al. Late Breaking Abstract - Preliminary results in differences between elderly COPD patients admitted in a COVID-19 free respiratory ward before and during the pandemic. Abstract 105. ERS 2021, 5–8 September.
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Table of Contents: ERS 2021
Featured articles
Letter from the Editor
COVID-19 Research: Looking Back and Moving Forward
Higher inflammation markers in COVID-19 patients with a first negative PCR test
Persistent fatigue following COVID-19
Risk of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in young and middle-aged adults
Respiratory Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Studies
Rhinovirus bronchiolitis increased risk of recurrent wheezing and asthma
COPD: Evidence Update
Livestock farming affected the airway microbiome of COPD patients
Reduction of COPD severe acute exacerbations by candidate vaccine
Paediatrics and Vaccinology
Better lung function in children with a healthy diet
Need for validated severity score in the assessment of bronchiolitis
Increased impact of air pollution on lung function in preterm infants
Pearls in Asthma Research
Biomarkers do not discriminate severe from severe uncontrolled asthma
Increased blood neutrophiles in patients with obesity and asthma
Blood inflammatory phenotypes associated with clinical symptoms of asthma
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