The Prognostic Value of Hypophosphatemia in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Background Phosphorus (P) is an important electrolyte that plays a significant role in different physiological processes especially muscle contraction and adenosine triphosphate high energy bonds. Low phosphorus level in blood may increase the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, need, and duration of mechanical ventilation. Objective To examine the prognostic effects of hypophosphatemia in COPD patients and evaluate the correlation between phosphorus levels and severity of attacks, need for mechanical ventilation, duration of The ICU stays and mortality. Methods This study was performed on 72 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD admitted in chest department and respiratory ICU in Ain Shams University Hospital in the period between June 2019 & March 2020. Results The study showed Low blood phosphorus levels contribute to an increase in: COPD flare-up with high statistically significant value (p < 0.001), also the need for ventilation, duration of ventilation, duration of hospitalization, days in intensive care units and finally increased rate of mortality were statistically significant value p-value (0.002, 0.024, 0.021 & 0.001) respectively. Conclusion Close monitoring and careful adjustment of disorders correlated to electrolyte such as phosphorus, are crucial and may improve prognosis and also increase the survival rate of patients with COPD.