1 |
For ambulatory patients with an exacerbation of COPD, we suggest a short course (≤14 days) of oral corticosteroids |
Conditional |
Very low |
2 |
For ambulatory patients with an exacerbation of COPD, we suggest the administration of antibiotics |
Conditional |
Moderate |
3 |
For patients who are hospitalised with a COPD exacerbation, we suggest the administration of oral corticosteroids rather than intravenous corticosteroids if gastrointestinal access and function are intact |
Conditional |
Low |
4 |
For patients who are hospitalised with a COPD exacerbation associated with acute or acute-on-chronic respiratory failure, we recommend the use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation |
Strong |
Low |
5 |
For patients with a COPD exacerbation who present to the emergency department or hospital, we suggest a home-based management programme (hospital-at-home) |
Conditional |
Moderate |
6 |
For patients who are hospitalised with a COPD exacerbation, we suggest the initiation of pulmonary rehabilitation within 3 weeks after hospital discharge |
Conditional |
Very low |
7 |
For patients who are hospitalised with a COPD exacerbation, we suggest not initiating pulmonary rehabilitation during hospitalisation |
Conditional |
Very low |