[Long-term prognosis of chronic bronchitis following the first episode of acute respiratory decompensation].

In order to assess the prognosis significance of the first episode of acute respiratory failure in chronic bronchitic, 100 bronchitics experiencing an episode of failure were followed for 3 1/2 to 6 years. A multivariate statistical analysis revealed the best prognostic parameters: the FEV1 (VEMS), the steady state Co transfer, age, neuro-psychiatric signs of respiratory failure and supra-ventricular dysrhythmias on ECG. Normocapnia contributes to a stabilised respiratory state. A predictive value could not be established for the clinical signs of right ventricular failure and of right ventricular hypertrophy on the ECG. Cardio-respiratory failure is the dominant cause of death but other causes occur more frequently in those subjects with severe respiratory impairment.