Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in OAUTHC Ile-Ife: a ten-year review of hospital mortality.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a spectrum of chronic lung disease. The prevalence and incidence of COPD is on the increase globally with an attendant increase in morbidity and mortality. There is a lack of data on the prevalence and incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD in developing countries, which is what prompted this study. We reviewed mortality due to COPD in order to identify risk factors for death and possible preventive measures. Out of 161 admissions during the review period-1990 to 1999-there were 41 deaths, accounting for a mortality rate of 25.46%. The highest mortality occurred in the sixth and seventh decades of life with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Chest infections, cor pulmonale, and respiratory failure were the most common complications. Extremes of age, lower socio-economic group, smoking (>10 packs per year), and respiratory tract infection were the most commonly identified risk factors for death. Attention should be paid to preventive measures to halt the development and progression of the disease. This offers the best hope of minimizing mortality.