Red Blood Cell and Platelet Indices for Predicting Outcomes in Acute Exacerbations of COPD

The purpose of this study is to evaluate if standard, easily accessible blood tests can help doctors predict the severity and outcomes of sudden flare-ups in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). When a patient's COPD suddenly worsens, an event called an acute exacerbation, it can lead to serious health complications, breathing difficulties, and hospitalization. Currently, doctors need simple and cost-effective ways to figure out early on which patients are at the highest risk for severe complications. This observational study will focus on specific components of a routine Complete Blood Count (CBC) test. Researchers will look at the size, volume, and variation of red blood cells (such as Red Cell Distribution Width, or RDW) and platelets. Both red blood cells and platelets are known to be affected by the body's systemic inflammatory response during a severe COPD flare-up. Participants will include adults over 18 years old who are admitted to the hospital for an acute exacerbation of COPD. As part of the study, researchers will collect and analyze routine clinical data, including: * Medical history and physical examination findings (including dyspnea severity). * Standard laboratory blood tests (evaluating red blood cells, platelets, kidney and liver function, and inflammation markers). * Arterial blood gas levels. * Pulmonary function tests (breathing tests to measure lung capacity). * High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest scans. By analyzing this information, the study aims to determine if red blood cell and platelet indices can accurately predict important clinical outcomes. These outcomes include the need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, the need for a mechanical ventilator (breathing machine), the total length of the hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality. Identifying reliable biomarkers could help healthcare providers make faster, more targeted treatment decisions for COPD patients.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients above 18 years admitted to the department with AECOPD defined as an event characterized by increased dyspnea and/or cough and sputum that worsens in ≤14 days. Exclusion Criteria: * Primary reason for admission other than AECOPD. * The patient has a diagnosis of connective tissue disorder, inflammatory bowel disease, or hematological system diseases (such as malignancy, thalassemia, hemolytic anemia).