The use of the Roth score in emergency department for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction

This study investigated the feasibility of using the Roth score in the emergency setting to make hospitalization or discharge decisions for patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Materials and methods

This study was conducted prospectively between March 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024 and included 101 patients with Group E chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were treated in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital. The patients were categorized into two groups: those who were hospitalized and those who were discharged. The Roth score, determined by measuring patients' breath-holding times after forced inspiration and counting rhythmically, was measured in seconds and counted. Changes in Roth scores, arterial blood gas parameters, and transcutaneous oxygen saturation levels measured during AECOPD presentation and after appropriate treatment were examined.

Results

The study included 101 patients (57 males, 44 females) with a mean age of 61.4 years. After AECOPD treatment, the area under the curve for the Roth score was 0.937 s for the duration and 0.969 for the count. At a cut-off value of 9.5 s, the Roth score in seconds had a sensitivity of 92 % and a specificity of 75 %. At a cut-off value of 10.5, the Roth score had a sensitivity of 97 % and a specificity of 70 %.

Conclusion

The Roth score (only counts) increased in discharged patients after AECOPD treatment. It appears to be a viable method for predicting hospitalization or discharge decisions in patients with AECOPD who present to the emergency department.