While restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has significantly improved the quality of life in patients with underlying ulcerative colitis who require surgery,complications can occur.Pouchitis a...While restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has significantly improved the quality of life in patients with underlying ulcerative colitis who require surgery,complications can occur.Pouchitis as the most common long-term complication represents a spectrum of disease processes ranging from acute,antibiotic-responsive type to chronic antibiotic-refractory entity.Accurate diagnosis using a combined assessment of symptoms,endoscopy and histology and the stratification of clinical phenotypes is important for treatment and prognosis the disease.The majority of patients respond favorably to antibiotic therapy.However,management of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis remains a challenge.展开更多
AIM: To compare the efficacy of self-expandable metallic stents (EMS) in the treatment of distal and proximal stricture of malignant biliary tumors. METHODS: From March 1995 to June 2004, 61 patients (40 males, 2...AIM: To compare the efficacy of self-expandable metallic stents (EMS) in the treatment of distal and proximal stricture of malignant biliary tumors. METHODS: From March 1995 to June 2004, 61 patients (40 males, 21 females) with malignant biliary obstruction who received self-expandable metallic stent implantation were reviewed retrospectively. The stents were inserted by an endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic method. We tried to place two stents in the biliary system in T or Y configuration in cases of hilar tumors with bilateral hepatic duct obstruction. The end points of the study were stent occlusion or patient death. RESULTS: The mean time of stent patency was 421 ± 67 d in the group of proximal stricture( group Ⅰ) and 168 ± 18 d in the group of distal stricture (group Ⅱ). The difference was significant in borderline between the two groups (P = 0.0567). The mean survival time was 574 ± 76 d in group I and 182 ± 25 d in group II. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: EMS implantation is a feasible, palliative method for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. The clinical efficacy of EMS in patients with proximal hilar tumors is better than that in patients with distal tumors.展开更多
AIM: To summarize our experience with the application of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) in the management of acute left-sided colorectal malignant obstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all pa...AIM: To summarize our experience with the application of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) in the management of acute left-sided colorectal malignant obstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing placement of SENS between April 2000 and January 2004 was performed. RESULTS: Insertion of SENS was attempted in 26 patients under fluoroscopic guidance with occasional endoscopic assistance. The sites of lesions were located in splenic flexure of two patients, left colon of seven patients, sigmoid colon of eight patients and rectum of nine patients. The intended uses of SENS were for palliation in 7 patients and as a bridge to elective surgery in 19 patients. In the latter group, placement of SENS allowed for preoperative systemic and bowel preparation and the following one-stage anastomosis. Successful stent placement was achieved in 22 (85%) of the 26 patients. The clinical bowel obstruction resolved 24 hours after successful stent placement in 21 (95%) patients. Three SENS-related minor complications occurred, two stents migrated and one caused anal pain. CONCLUSION: SEMS represents an effective and safe tool in the management of acute malignant colorectal obstruction. As a bridge to surgery, SEMS can provide time for systematic support and bowel preparation and obviate the need for fecal diversion or on-table lavage. As a palliative measure, SEMS can eliminate the need for emergent colostomy.展开更多
Hepatic venous outflow obstruction after piggyback liver transplantation is a very rare complication. An unusual mechanism aggravating it is reported. A 33-year-old man with end-stage hepatitis B liver cirrhosis under...Hepatic venous outflow obstruction after piggyback liver transplantation is a very rare complication. An unusual mechanism aggravating it is reported. A 33-year-old man with end-stage hepatitis B liver cirrhosis underwent a piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation using a full-size cadaveric graft. Two months after transplantation, he developed gross ascites refractory to maximal diuretic therapy. Doppler ultrasound showed patent portal and hepatic veins. Serial computed tomography scans revealed a hypoperfused right posterior segment of the liver which subsequently underwent atrophy. Hepatic venography demonstrated a high-grade stenosis with an element of torsion of venous drainage at the anastomosis. The stenosis was successfully treated with repeated percutaneous balloon angioplasty. The patient remained asymptomatic six months afterwards with complete resolution of ascites and peripheral edema. We postulate that liver allograft segmental hypoperfusion and atrophy may aggravate or result in a hepatic venous outflow problem by the mechanism of torsion effect. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty is a safe and effective treatment modality for anastomotic stenosis.展开更多
Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare condition of unclear etiology. It can cause ureteral obstruction. We present the unique case of a 54 years old female, who initially presented with spontaneous perforation of t...Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare condition of unclear etiology. It can cause ureteral obstruction. We present the unique case of a 54 years old female, who initially presented with spontaneous perforation of the cecum. Upon exploring the abdomen, the classical glistening white, unyielding retroperitoneal fibrosis was encountered. A right hemicolectomy was performed. Subsequently, the patient presented with bilateral ureteral obstruction, and later on with small bowel obstruction. Ureteral obstruction was treated with stents, and small bowel obstruction was treated with bypass. To our knowledge no case of idiopathic RPF presenting with features of both bilateral ureteral and small bowel obstruction has been reported in the literature.展开更多
Objective :To evaluate the applicable value of respiratory impedance for the stage 0 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods:Respiratory impedance was measured by impulse oscillometry (lOS) in 4...Objective :To evaluate the applicable value of respiratory impedance for the stage 0 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods:Respiratory impedance was measured by impulse oscillometry (lOS) in 41 cases at stage 0 of COPD (NHLBI/WHO, 2001 Standard) and their conventional pulmonary function values were compared with 42 healthy subjects. Both groups had no significant deviation in age, stature and avoirdupois, etc. Master-Screen pulmonary function test system (Jaeger Co, Germany) were used to determine IOS parameters including viscous resistance of 5Hz, 20 Hz and 35Hz (R5, R20, R35), reactance of 5Hz, 35 Hz (X3, X35), resonant frequency (Fres) ,total respiratory impedance (Zrs) and routine pulmonary function values including forced expiratory volume in one second to predicted value (FEV1 % ), forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio( FEV1/ FVC% ), maximal mid expiratory flow (MMEF%),V23% and V50%. Results:Both groups had no significant deviation in FEV1%, FEV1/FVC% and X35(P〉0.05). It was increased significantly in viscous resistance of 5Hz, 20 Hz and 35Hz (R5, R20, R35) in COPD group than that in healthy group (P〈0.01). So were Fres and Zrs (P〈0.01). MMEF%,V25%,V50% and reactance of 5Hz (X5) in COPD group were marked lower than that in healthy group (P〈0.01). The sensitivity of MMEF%, V25%,V50% was higher than others, but its specificity was lower. In parameters of IOS, Fres was the most sensitive index for diagnosis of the small airway function and its specificity was higher than that of MMEF%, V25% ,V50%. Conclusion:In the risk case at the stage 0 of COPD, MMEF%, V25% and V50% could be decreased, but Fres, R5 ,R5-20 could be increased in spite of FEV1% and FEV1/FVC% in normal range.展开更多
This article reports the case of a 34-year-old woman with xanthogranulomatous cholangitis who developed obstructive jaundice. Microscopically, the bile duct was surrounded and narrowed by a xanthogranulomatous lesion,...This article reports the case of a 34-year-old woman with xanthogranulomatous cholangitis who developed obstructive jaundice. Microscopically, the bile duct was surrounded and narrowed by a xanthogranulomatous lesion, but no xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis was seen. Although percutaneous cholangiograms done via the transhepatic biliary drainage showed smooth narrowing of the upper to middle bile duct, the cytology of bile was diagnosed as class V adenocarcinoma. Therefore, right extended hepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection were performed. The differentiation of benign and malignant strictures at the hepatic hilum is often difficult. Xanthogranulomatous cholangitis is one possible diagnosis of a bile duct stricture. Precise review of all the preoperative information is required to make a correct diagnosis.展开更多
A brain-computer interface(BCI)-based electric wheelchair control system was developed, which enables the users to move the wheelchair forward or backward, and turn left or right without any pre-learning. This control...A brain-computer interface(BCI)-based electric wheelchair control system was developed, which enables the users to move the wheelchair forward or backward, and turn left or right without any pre-learning. This control system makes use of the amplitude enhancement of alpha-wave blocking in electroencephalogram(EEG) when eyes close for more than 1 s to constitute a BCI for the switch control of wheelchair movements. The system was formed by BCI control panel, data acquisition, signal processing unit and interface control circuit. Eight volunteers participated in the wheelchair control experiments according to the preset routes. The experimental results show that the mean success control rate of all the subjects was 81.3%, with the highest reaching 93.7%. When one subject's triggering time was 2.8 s, i.e., the flashing time of each cycle light was 2.8 s, the average information transfer rate was 8.10 bit/min, with the highest reaching 12.54 bit/min.展开更多
Objective To investigate the bacteria spectrum isolated from AE-CB/ COPD and the manner of management of AE-CB/COPD in respiratory or internal medicine department in some regions of China. Methods Respiratory physicia...Objective To investigate the bacteria spectrum isolated from AE-CB/ COPD and the manner of management of AE-CB/COPD in respiratory or internal medicine department in some regions of China. Methods Respiratory physicians received questionnaire at randomization just after they managed a patient presenting to outpatient department with AE-CB/ COPD, on general conditions and symptoms of patients, type of examinations, diagnosis, type of antibiotics used and mode of administration. Results of sputum bacteria culture were followed up. Results Amang the1583 AE-CB/COPD, 63. 04% were male and 35.19% were female. 54.6% of them were older than 60 years. 81.87% of the patients produced sputum. Sputum bacteria culture, chest X-ray and chest CT were carried out to 21.3%, 66. 3% and 11. 1% patients, respectively. 355 strains were isolated from patients whose sputum bacteria culture was positive. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella ca- tarrhalis were the three most isolates. 84. 7% of the 1583 AE-CB/COPD received 1692 times of antibiotic prescribing. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic were B-lactams (51.36% of all antibiotic prescribing), macrolides (14. 01% ) and quinolones (31.03%). Much more macrolides were prescribed in the area where mare patients pay the medicines at his own expense than those in the area where more patients share public health service. Conclusion In China, respiratory physicians can reasonably select antibiotics to manage acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis/ chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in pulmonary outpatient department. Sputum culture is done in part of the patients, but susceptibility tests are missing. One issue revealed by the survey is that the list of prescribing medications laid down by government have great influence on antibiotic use.展开更多
Antiplatelet drugs represent one of the basic options for management of patients with different atherosclerotic diseases. Aspirin is the oldest and most often prescribed antiplatelet drug. It seems that it is most eff...Antiplatelet drugs represent one of the basic options for management of patients with different atherosclerotic diseases. Aspirin is the oldest and most often prescribed antiplatelet drug. It seems that it is most effective in coronary patients with clinically unstable disease, less effective in prevention of cerebrovascular incidents, and its efficacy is uncertain in peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. One of the first meta-analysis indicated that antiplatelet drugs also significantly reduce cardiovascular events in patients with PAD. However, latest meta-analysis of randomized control trials of aspirin therapy involving patients with diabetes and PAD demonstrated no benefit of aspirin in reducing cardiovascular events. Also in patients with preclinical PAD aspirin did not result in a significant reduction of vascular events. The new anti-platelet drugs prasugrel, ticagrelol, picotamide seem to be more effective than aspirin in PAD patients, particularly in diabetic patients with PAD. However, evidence based data are scanty. New studies on PAD patients are necessary to better define the role of anti-platelet agents in these patient and one of the promising ways of access to anti-platelet treatment would be personalized anti-platelet therapy.展开更多
Objective To measure the QOL in patients with AECOPD and the frequency of potential risk factors, and to evaluate the association of risk factors with poor QOL in patients with AECOPD. Methods A study sample of 196 pa...Objective To measure the QOL in patients with AECOPD and the frequency of potential risk factors, and to evaluate the association of risk factors with poor QOL in patients with AECOPD. Methods A study sample of 196 patients with moderate to severe COPD admitted for acute exacerbations to two large general hospitals were studied. The St George QOL (SGQOL) scale, socio-demographic, clinical and patient care characteristics, including depression and spirometry were ascertained in the stable state before discharge and at one-month post discharge. Results There was a high prevalence of current or ex-heavy smokers, depression and consumption of psychotropic drugs, and low prevalence of care giver support, pulmonary rehabilitation and vaccination. The mean scores for the different domains were 55.9 for Symptoms; 65.1 for Activity; 32.9 for Impact; and the mean of overall Total scores was 46.5. Multiple regression analysis showed that CMH, male, depression, previous frequent hospital readmissions and poor therapy compliance were independently related to worse Symptoms Scores. Previous frequent readmissions, depression, severe dyspnea and older age (>72 years) were related to worse Activity Scores of SGQOL. Depression, previous frequent readmissions, severe dyspnea, long COPD duration(≥5years) and severe smoking were related to worse Impact Scores of SGQOL. Depression, previous frequent readmissions, severe dyspnea and long COPD duration(≥5years) were independently related to worse Total Scores of SGQOL. Conclusion Poor QOL in patients with COPD exacerbation was associated with disease severity, psychosocial and health care factors which are modifiable.展开更多
基金a grant from National Institutes of Health,No.R03DK 067275 a grant from Broad Medical Research Program ofBroad Foundation
文摘While restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has significantly improved the quality of life in patients with underlying ulcerative colitis who require surgery,complications can occur.Pouchitis as the most common long-term complication represents a spectrum of disease processes ranging from acute,antibiotic-responsive type to chronic antibiotic-refractory entity.Accurate diagnosis using a combined assessment of symptoms,endoscopy and histology and the stratification of clinical phenotypes is important for treatment and prognosis the disease.The majority of patients respond favorably to antibiotic therapy.However,management of chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis remains a challenge.
文摘AIM: To compare the efficacy of self-expandable metallic stents (EMS) in the treatment of distal and proximal stricture of malignant biliary tumors. METHODS: From March 1995 to June 2004, 61 patients (40 males, 21 females) with malignant biliary obstruction who received self-expandable metallic stent implantation were reviewed retrospectively. The stents were inserted by an endoscopic or percutaneous transhepatic method. We tried to place two stents in the biliary system in T or Y configuration in cases of hilar tumors with bilateral hepatic duct obstruction. The end points of the study were stent occlusion or patient death. RESULTS: The mean time of stent patency was 421 ± 67 d in the group of proximal stricture( group Ⅰ) and 168 ± 18 d in the group of distal stricture (group Ⅱ). The difference was significant in borderline between the two groups (P = 0.0567). The mean survival time was 574 ± 76 d in group I and 182 ± 25 d in group II. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: EMS implantation is a feasible, palliative method for unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. The clinical efficacy of EMS in patients with proximal hilar tumors is better than that in patients with distal tumors.
文摘AIM: To summarize our experience with the application of self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) in the management of acute left-sided colorectal malignant obstruction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing placement of SENS between April 2000 and January 2004 was performed. RESULTS: Insertion of SENS was attempted in 26 patients under fluoroscopic guidance with occasional endoscopic assistance. The sites of lesions were located in splenic flexure of two patients, left colon of seven patients, sigmoid colon of eight patients and rectum of nine patients. The intended uses of SENS were for palliation in 7 patients and as a bridge to elective surgery in 19 patients. In the latter group, placement of SENS allowed for preoperative systemic and bowel preparation and the following one-stage anastomosis. Successful stent placement was achieved in 22 (85%) of the 26 patients. The clinical bowel obstruction resolved 24 hours after successful stent placement in 21 (95%) patients. Three SENS-related minor complications occurred, two stents migrated and one caused anal pain. CONCLUSION: SEMS represents an effective and safe tool in the management of acute malignant colorectal obstruction. As a bridge to surgery, SEMS can provide time for systematic support and bowel preparation and obviate the need for fecal diversion or on-table lavage. As a palliative measure, SEMS can eliminate the need for emergent colostomy.
文摘Hepatic venous outflow obstruction after piggyback liver transplantation is a very rare complication. An unusual mechanism aggravating it is reported. A 33-year-old man with end-stage hepatitis B liver cirrhosis underwent a piggyback orthotopic liver transplantation using a full-size cadaveric graft. Two months after transplantation, he developed gross ascites refractory to maximal diuretic therapy. Doppler ultrasound showed patent portal and hepatic veins. Serial computed tomography scans revealed a hypoperfused right posterior segment of the liver which subsequently underwent atrophy. Hepatic venography demonstrated a high-grade stenosis with an element of torsion of venous drainage at the anastomosis. The stenosis was successfully treated with repeated percutaneous balloon angioplasty. The patient remained asymptomatic six months afterwards with complete resolution of ascites and peripheral edema. We postulate that liver allograft segmental hypoperfusion and atrophy may aggravate or result in a hepatic venous outflow problem by the mechanism of torsion effect. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty is a safe and effective treatment modality for anastomotic stenosis.
文摘Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare condition of unclear etiology. It can cause ureteral obstruction. We present the unique case of a 54 years old female, who initially presented with spontaneous perforation of the cecum. Upon exploring the abdomen, the classical glistening white, unyielding retroperitoneal fibrosis was encountered. A right hemicolectomy was performed. Subsequently, the patient presented with bilateral ureteral obstruction, and later on with small bowel obstruction. Ureteral obstruction was treated with stents, and small bowel obstruction was treated with bypass. To our knowledge no case of idiopathic RPF presenting with features of both bilateral ureteral and small bowel obstruction has been reported in the literature.
文摘Objective :To evaluate the applicable value of respiratory impedance for the stage 0 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods:Respiratory impedance was measured by impulse oscillometry (lOS) in 41 cases at stage 0 of COPD (NHLBI/WHO, 2001 Standard) and their conventional pulmonary function values were compared with 42 healthy subjects. Both groups had no significant deviation in age, stature and avoirdupois, etc. Master-Screen pulmonary function test system (Jaeger Co, Germany) were used to determine IOS parameters including viscous resistance of 5Hz, 20 Hz and 35Hz (R5, R20, R35), reactance of 5Hz, 35 Hz (X3, X35), resonant frequency (Fres) ,total respiratory impedance (Zrs) and routine pulmonary function values including forced expiratory volume in one second to predicted value (FEV1 % ), forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio( FEV1/ FVC% ), maximal mid expiratory flow (MMEF%),V23% and V50%. Results:Both groups had no significant deviation in FEV1%, FEV1/FVC% and X35(P〉0.05). It was increased significantly in viscous resistance of 5Hz, 20 Hz and 35Hz (R5, R20, R35) in COPD group than that in healthy group (P〈0.01). So were Fres and Zrs (P〈0.01). MMEF%,V25%,V50% and reactance of 5Hz (X5) in COPD group were marked lower than that in healthy group (P〈0.01). The sensitivity of MMEF%, V25%,V50% was higher than others, but its specificity was lower. In parameters of IOS, Fres was the most sensitive index for diagnosis of the small airway function and its specificity was higher than that of MMEF%, V25% ,V50%. Conclusion:In the risk case at the stage 0 of COPD, MMEF%, V25% and V50% could be decreased, but Fres, R5 ,R5-20 could be increased in spite of FEV1% and FEV1/FVC% in normal range.
文摘This article reports the case of a 34-year-old woman with xanthogranulomatous cholangitis who developed obstructive jaundice. Microscopically, the bile duct was surrounded and narrowed by a xanthogranulomatous lesion, but no xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis was seen. Although percutaneous cholangiograms done via the transhepatic biliary drainage showed smooth narrowing of the upper to middle bile duct, the cytology of bile was diagnosed as class V adenocarcinoma. Therefore, right extended hepatectomy and extrahepatic bile duct resection were performed. The differentiation of benign and malignant strictures at the hepatic hilum is often difficult. Xanthogranulomatous cholangitis is one possible diagnosis of a bile duct stricture. Precise review of all the preoperative information is required to make a correct diagnosis.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81222021,No.30970875,No.90920015,No.61172008 and No.81171423)National Key Technology Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2012BAI34B02)Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University of the Ministry of Education of China(No.NCET-10-0618)
文摘A brain-computer interface(BCI)-based electric wheelchair control system was developed, which enables the users to move the wheelchair forward or backward, and turn left or right without any pre-learning. This control system makes use of the amplitude enhancement of alpha-wave blocking in electroencephalogram(EEG) when eyes close for more than 1 s to constitute a BCI for the switch control of wheelchair movements. The system was formed by BCI control panel, data acquisition, signal processing unit and interface control circuit. Eight volunteers participated in the wheelchair control experiments according to the preset routes. The experimental results show that the mean success control rate of all the subjects was 81.3%, with the highest reaching 93.7%. When one subject's triggering time was 2.8 s, i.e., the flashing time of each cycle light was 2.8 s, the average information transfer rate was 8.10 bit/min, with the highest reaching 12.54 bit/min.
文摘Objective To investigate the bacteria spectrum isolated from AE-CB/ COPD and the manner of management of AE-CB/COPD in respiratory or internal medicine department in some regions of China. Methods Respiratory physicians received questionnaire at randomization just after they managed a patient presenting to outpatient department with AE-CB/ COPD, on general conditions and symptoms of patients, type of examinations, diagnosis, type of antibiotics used and mode of administration. Results of sputum bacteria culture were followed up. Results Amang the1583 AE-CB/COPD, 63. 04% were male and 35.19% were female. 54.6% of them were older than 60 years. 81.87% of the patients produced sputum. Sputum bacteria culture, chest X-ray and chest CT were carried out to 21.3%, 66. 3% and 11. 1% patients, respectively. 355 strains were isolated from patients whose sputum bacteria culture was positive. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella ca- tarrhalis were the three most isolates. 84. 7% of the 1583 AE-CB/COPD received 1692 times of antibiotic prescribing. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic were B-lactams (51.36% of all antibiotic prescribing), macrolides (14. 01% ) and quinolones (31.03%). Much more macrolides were prescribed in the area where mare patients pay the medicines at his own expense than those in the area where more patients share public health service. Conclusion In China, respiratory physicians can reasonably select antibiotics to manage acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis/ chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in pulmonary outpatient department. Sputum culture is done in part of the patients, but susceptibility tests are missing. One issue revealed by the survey is that the list of prescribing medications laid down by government have great influence on antibiotic use.
文摘Antiplatelet drugs represent one of the basic options for management of patients with different atherosclerotic diseases. Aspirin is the oldest and most often prescribed antiplatelet drug. It seems that it is most effective in coronary patients with clinically unstable disease, less effective in prevention of cerebrovascular incidents, and its efficacy is uncertain in peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients. One of the first meta-analysis indicated that antiplatelet drugs also significantly reduce cardiovascular events in patients with PAD. However, latest meta-analysis of randomized control trials of aspirin therapy involving patients with diabetes and PAD demonstrated no benefit of aspirin in reducing cardiovascular events. Also in patients with preclinical PAD aspirin did not result in a significant reduction of vascular events. The new anti-platelet drugs prasugrel, ticagrelol, picotamide seem to be more effective than aspirin in PAD patients, particularly in diabetic patients with PAD. However, evidence based data are scanty. New studies on PAD patients are necessary to better define the role of anti-platelet agents in these patient and one of the promising ways of access to anti-platelet treatment would be personalized anti-platelet therapy.
文摘Objective To measure the QOL in patients with AECOPD and the frequency of potential risk factors, and to evaluate the association of risk factors with poor QOL in patients with AECOPD. Methods A study sample of 196 patients with moderate to severe COPD admitted for acute exacerbations to two large general hospitals were studied. The St George QOL (SGQOL) scale, socio-demographic, clinical and patient care characteristics, including depression and spirometry were ascertained in the stable state before discharge and at one-month post discharge. Results There was a high prevalence of current or ex-heavy smokers, depression and consumption of psychotropic drugs, and low prevalence of care giver support, pulmonary rehabilitation and vaccination. The mean scores for the different domains were 55.9 for Symptoms; 65.1 for Activity; 32.9 for Impact; and the mean of overall Total scores was 46.5. Multiple regression analysis showed that CMH, male, depression, previous frequent hospital readmissions and poor therapy compliance were independently related to worse Symptoms Scores. Previous frequent readmissions, depression, severe dyspnea and older age (>72 years) were related to worse Activity Scores of SGQOL. Depression, previous frequent readmissions, severe dyspnea, long COPD duration(≥5years) and severe smoking were related to worse Impact Scores of SGQOL. Depression, previous frequent readmissions, severe dyspnea and long COPD duration(≥5years) were independently related to worse Total Scores of SGQOL. Conclusion Poor QOL in patients with COPD exacerbation was associated with disease severity, psychosocial and health care factors which are modifiable.