Hypotheses:
We hypothesize that COPD patients with corticosteroid-induced hyperglycemia experience higher morbidity (infections, ventilator associated pneumonia, length of stay, acute renal failure) and mortality compared to COPD patients with normal glucose levels.
Specific Aim:
To determine the impact of corticosteroid-induced hyperglycemia on clinical outcome (length of stay, disposition, APACHE score, need for ventilatory support and ICU admission, mortality) in patients with COPD exacerbation.
