Abstract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease. COPD remains the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the prevalence of COPD has increased despite a decline in mortality rates since 1990. Comorbidities significantly affect the prognosis and clinical outcomes of COPD patients, particularly extrapulmonary conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Tobacco smoking is a major shared risk factor for COPD and several chronic diseases, including lung cancer and coronary artery disease. Although comorbidities play an important role in COPD management, limited local evidence is available in Libya regarding their prevalence and clinical impact. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the frequency and pattern of comorbidities among COPD patients and assess their relationship with disease severity and clinical outcomes. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among COPD patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Department at Zliten Medical Center over a five-month period. Patients aged 40 years and above with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD, including newly diagnosed and previously known cases, were included. A total of 25 COPD patients met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through direct patient interviews and review of medical records. Information obtained included sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, vaccination history, comorbidities, clinical presentation, complications, and outcomes. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Most participants were male, and more than half were active smokers. The majority had no history of vaccination. Comorbidities were highly prevalent among the studied patients, with diabetes mellitus being the most common comorbidity (56%), followed by hypertension (40%). The main causes of hospitalization were dyspnea, acute exacerbation of COPD, pulmonary edema, and pneumonia. Nearly half of the patients (44%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission and oxygen therapy. Significant associations were observed between ICU admission and both lower limb edema and renal failure. Complications were relatively uncommon; however, renal failure was the most frequent complication, followed by respiratory failure and sepsis. Hospital readmission occurred in 20% of patients. Comorbidities are highly prevalent among COPD patients in Libya and are associated with poorer clinical outcomes, particularly ICU admission and complications. Early identification and comprehensive management of comorbid conditions may improve prognosis and reduce disease burden among COPD patients