Irish medical journal
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Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are a major cause of hospital admissions. Because of the consequent morbidity, mortality and burden on hospital resources, COPD management guidelines have been formulated. We reviewed 62 consecutive patients with AECOPD admitted from September 1st to December 18th 2000 in St. ⋯ Vincent's University Hospital is frequently suboptimal, and may be managed better with respiratory physician involvement. In particular, there could be more frequent spirometric confirmation of the diagnosis of COPD, better screening for long term oxygen therapy and more conservative use of antibiotics. Audit is complicated by difficulty accessing relevant data.