COPD Exacerbation (AECOPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and manageable disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are major events in the course of the disease and are associated with increased hospital admissions, accelerated decline in lung function, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality. Assessment of exacerbation risk remains a key component of COPD management according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Beyond its respiratory manifestations, COPD may have important cardiovascular consequences. Chronic hypoxia, pulmonary vascular remodeling, inflammation, and increased pulmonary vascular resistance may contribute to elevated pulmonary artery pressures and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic lung disease is clinically important because it may worsen symptoms, exercise tolerance, and prognosis. During acute exacerbations, worsening hypoxemia, hypercapnia, dynamic hyperinflation, and increased respiratory workload may further increase pulmonary vascular resistance and RV afterload. Transthoracic echocardiography provides a practical non-invasive method for evaluating right ventricular function and pulmonary hemodynamics through parameters such as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), and the TAPSE/PASP ratio, a recognized marker of RV-pulmonary artery coupling.

This prospective randomized controlled trial evaluates whether a specialized "COPD flare-up clinic service" improves outcomes in patients following an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Patients presenting to the emergency department with AECOPD and discharged or hospitalized will be randomized 1:1 to either structured follow-up in a dedicated flare-up clinic or standard follow-up by scheduled telephone interviews. The researches hypothesize that structured follow-up in a specialized clinic will reduce recurrent exacerbations, optimize long-term COPD management, and improve patients' quality of life compared to standard care.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), considered one of the greatest global threats by the WHO, justifies the development of initiatives to promote appropriate antibiotic use-especially in primary care, where most antibiotics in France are prescribed and where misuse remains common. We are proposing a cluster-randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a bimodal intervention combining: (1) improved communication about the circulation of respiratory viruses, and (2) strengthened collaborative practices between general practitioners and pharmacists through a multidisciplinary protocol aimed at verifying that prescribed treatment durations comply with guidelines. The study will include six primary care practices (24 physicians), with three practices in each study arm. The aim of this project is to assess whether the bimodal intervention can reduce the duration of antibiotic treatments for upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The first component (a "viral infection prescription" tool) focuses on reducing unnecessary treatment initiation, while the second (pharmacist-led review) aims to shorten excessive prescription durations.