What is the Anthonisen classification for COPD exacerbations?

Type I (severe): all 3 symptoms (increased dyspnea + increased sputum volume + increased sputum purulence) - antibiotics reduce morbidity; Type II (moderate): 2 of 3 symptoms - antibiotics likely beneficial; Type III (mild): 1 symptom - antibiotics of no proven benefit.

What blood gas criteria indicate NIV in AECOPD?

NIV indicated: pH 45 mmHg and RR >23/min despite controlled O2; NIV reduces intubation by 65% and mortality by 50% in AECOPD with Type II respiratory failure; contraindications: GCS <8, vomiting, hemodynamic instability.

What antibiotic covers atypical organisms in AECOPD?

Mild-moderate AECOPD: amoxicillin-clavulanate or doxycycline; severe with Pseudomonas risk (frequent exacerbations, structural lung disease, recent antibiotics/steroids): anti-pseudomonal: ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin; respiratory FQs preferred if Pseudomonas not suspected.

What steroid dose and duration is used for AECOPD?

Prednisolone 40 mg/day for 5 days (REDUCE trial: 5 days equivalent to 14 days for time to next exacerbation); IV methylprednisolone 0.5 mg/kg/6h if unable to take oral; reduce hospitalisation duration and improve FEV1 recovery.

What is the optimal target oxygen saturation in AECOPD?

Target SpO2 88-92% in known or suspected COPD hypercapnia risk; high-flow oxygen (SpO2 >98%) increases mortality in AECOPD via Haldane effect (CO2 accumulation); use Venturi masks for precise FiO2 control in emergency setting.

COPD Exacerbation Risk and Antibiotic Eligibility Calculator

Calculates COPD exacerbation severity (Anthonisen criteria), antibiotic eligibility (3 cardinal symptoms: increased dyspnea, sputum, purulence), and guides amoxicillin-clavulanate vs respiratory FQ therapy and NIV threshold.

⚕ Clinical Disclaimer: These calculators are for educational and reference purposes only. Always verify results with qualified clinical judgment and current clinical guidelines. Do not use as a sole basis for medical decisions.

How to Use

Enter the values for the scenario you are assessing. Calculates COPD exacerbation severity (Anthonisen criteria), antibiotic eligibility (3 cardinal symptoms: increased dyspnea, sputum, purulence), and guides amoxicillin-clavulanate vs respiratory FQ therapy and NIV threshold. Use the copd exacerbation risk result to inform your calculation.

Related Calculators

Spirometry Predicted

Medical Calculators

DLCO Calculator