Predictors of suboptimal peak inspiratory flow in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in real clinical practice.

Background: Incorrect inhalation technique is one of the most common reasons for the ineffectiveness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) therapy, increasing the frequency of exacerbations. Selection of treatment based on Peak Inspiratory Flow (PIF) measurements or predictors of suboptimal PIF (sPIF) could optimize therapy in patients with COPD. The goal of this study was to investigate a prevalence and predictors of sPIF in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of COPD in clinical practice.