Impact of COVID-19 on Hospital Admissions for COPD Exacerbation: Lessons for Future Care

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Acute exacerbations (AECOPD) are common and often triggered by viral infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions, including 'shielding' and 'lockdowns', were mandated. Multiple, worldwide studies report a reduction in AECOPD admissions during this period. This study aims to assess the effect of the pandemic and Lockdown on the rates of admission with AECOPD and severity of hospitalised exacerbations in the North-East of England. Data were extracted for patients presenting with a diagnosis of AECOPD or respiratory failure secondary to AECOPD during the 'COVID-19 period' (26/3/20-31/12/20) and a date-matched control period from the year previous. We present descriptive statistics and regression analysis of the effects of the COVID-19 period on the rates of hospital admission. Compared to the matched control period, the COVID-19 period was associated with fewer AECOPD admissions (COVID-19 = 719, control = 1257; rate ratio 0.57, < 0.001) and shorter length of stay (COVID-19 = 3.9 ± 0.2, control = 4.78 ± 0.2 days; = 0.002), with similar in-hospital plus 30-day post-discharge mortality. Demographics were similar between periods. Only six patients had a positive COVID-19 PCR test. During the COVID-19 period there was a substantial reduction in AECOPD admissions, but no increase in overall severity of exacerbations or mortality. Rather than fear driving delayed hospital presentation, physical and behavioural measures taken during this period to limit transmission of COVID-19 are likely to have reduced transmission of other respiratory viruses. This has important implications for control of future AECOPD.