Effectiveness and safety of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aim: We analysed the effectiveness and safety of outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in patients admitted to home hospitalisation units (HHU).

Methods: Retrospective multicentre study of patients with AECOPD included in the Spanish OPAT Registry during 2 years period.

Results: Twenty-seven hospitals included 562 episodes in 361 patients diagnosed COPD GOLD III-IV. The most frequently isolated pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (38%) and the most frequently used antibiotic was piperacillin-tazobactam (20%). The effectiveness of OPAT defined as the rate of improvement or recovery was 93.4%. The safety of OPAT defined as no adverse drug events and no infectious or catheter-related complications was 89.3%. Moreover, the risk of hospital readmission was not greater in patients with AECOPD aged >80 years. No differences in the effectiveness or safety were observed when OPAT was administered by patients and/or caregivers.

Conclusion: Patients with AECOPD who require parenteral antimicrobial therapy can be managed effectively and safely in HHU, avoiding hospital stays, readmissions and complications.