A Study to Evaluate the Role of MDECAF Score on Length of Hospital Stay In Patients Admitted with ECOPD

Abstract

Background: MDECAF (Modified DECAF) score is an effective clinical prognostic tool in predicting mortality in ECOPD (Exacerbation of COPD) patients. It has five variables, Baseline dyspnea, Eosinopenia, Consolidation, Acidemia, frequency of hospitalizations in
last 1 year and categorised into 3 risk groups; low(score 0-2) intermediate(3) and high(4-6). Aim and objectives: To predict the LOS (Length of hospital stay) in hospital for ECOPD patients using MDECAF scores. Methodology: Observational study from January to June
2023. ECOPD patients who presented to emergency room were assessed using MDECAF and correlated with their LOS in hospital. Results: Out of 42 patients, 12(28.57%) were in low risk group with an average LOS of 6 days, 20 (47.61%)were in intermediate risk group with average LOS of 9 days and 10 (23.80%) were in high risk group with an average LOS of 12 days. Conclusion: MDECAF score is a reliable prognostic bedside tool in predicting LOS in ECOPD patients, thereby helping physicians for planning long term supportive care.