Palliative Care and Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

摘要: 99 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major public health problem in the United States and throughout world with global prevalence estimated at 9.3 per 1000 males 7.3 females (all ages). (Vital Health Statistics, 1996; Murray Lopez, 1997). COPD was ranked as sixth most common cause of death worldwide 1990, Global Burden Study predicted that it would become third by 2020 (Lopez Murray, 1998). In 2003, an 10.7 million adults U.S. were reported having physician diagnosed COPD. However data from NHANES III (National Nutrition Evaluation Survey) approximately 24 have evidence impaired lung function, indicating underdiagnosis especially its milder forms which are amenable to treatment. It there may be 16 people currently (Hilleman et al., 2000; NCHS, 2002). Mortality morbidity significant patients who severe COPD, elderly acute exacerbations requiring hospitalization or ICU admission. According estimates National Heart Lung Blood Instiute, 2004 total annual expenditure for $37.2 billion, including $20.9 billion hospital costs treatment disease $1,613 indirect such work loss. Institutes Health. Heart, Institute, Despite relatively high prevalence, morbidity, mortality, end-of-life care hospice placement occurs only small percentage