Background
Previous research
Methods
Objective
Study design, randomization and intervention
Inclusion criteria
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Hospitalized patients with AECOPD within 24 h after admission
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Age ≥ 40 years
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Spirometry-verified COPD (defined as postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC ≤ 0.70)
Exclusion criteria
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Self-reported physician diagnosed asthma
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Life expectancy less than 30 days
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Severe COPD exacerbation requiring invasive ventilation or admission to ICU
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Allergy to systemic corticosteroids
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Severe mental illness which is not controlled by medication
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People who are detained under the act on the use of coercion in psychiatry
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Severe language difficulties or inability to provide written informed consent
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Pregnancy and lactation
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Systemic fungal infections
Measurements
Data collected | Study period | ||
---|---|---|---|
Baseline | 1-month | 3-month | |
Demographics | X | ||
Daily blood glucose measurements | X | ||
Daily leukocyte differential counta
| X | ||
Arterial blood gases and Chest X-ray | X | ||
Testing for diabetes (HbA1c) | X | X | |
Spirometry | X (day 1 + day 3) | X | X |
Height measurement & vital signs | X | ||
Weight measurement | X | X | X |
Vitamin D and PTH levels | X | X | |
COPD Assessment Test (CAT) | X | X | X |
Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale | X | X | X |
Bone Turnover Markers (CTX, P1NP) | X | X | X |
Questionnaire on general health condition | X | X | |
Pregnancy test | X |