A Simple Scoring System to Differentiate Bacterial from Viral Infections in Acute Exacerbations of COPD Requiring Hospitalization.

Objective: Both bacteria and viruses may cause acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The objective of this study was to identify readily available clinical parameters to discriminate between them.

Methods: During a winter period all consecutive patients with an AECOP who were hospitalized in a non-ICU general ward were prospectively enrolled.