Validation of the Decaf Scale to Predict in-Hospital Mortality in Acute Exacerbations of Copd in a Cohort in a South American Hospital
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Abstract
Introduction: Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are a significant cause of hospitalization and mortality, often underestimated due to the complexity of their prognosis. The DECAF scale, which assesses dyspnea, eosinopenia, consolidation, acidosis and atrial fibrillation, emerges as an effective tool for predicting mortality in these patients. We propose to validate the DECAF scale in a single-center cohort, allowing for risk stratification that optimizes clinical care in AECOPD.
Materials and methods: An observational, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted in a South American hospital between 2020 and 2022. We included 100 patients with COPD diagnosed via spirometry. Hospital mortality data were recorded using the DECAF scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, reporting quantitative variables as mean ± standard deviation. The research was conducted following ethical principles, ensuring participant privacy.
Results: A total of 100 patients with COPD were included, with a mean age of 78.1 ± 9.2 years; 77% were male. The DECAF scale proved to be a predictor of mortality, with 53% in DECAF 0-1 and 25% in DECAF 4-6. The average length of hospital stay increased with the DECAF score, being 9 ± 3 days for DECAF 0-1 and 18 ± 5 days for DECAF 4-6 (p < 0.01).
Conclusions: The DECAF scale demonstrates its value as a predictor of mortality in patients with AECOPD.
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