Poster Presentation
CHEST Annual Conference 2023
Increasing abnormal lung sounds after discharge for COPD exacerbation predicts readmission
Yu K. Au, MD, Devan Carrigan, Callum Gouveia Da Silva, Adrian Marinovich, MD MPH, Sadia Benzaquen, MD, FCCP
What’s Inside?
This case study describes how continuous monitoring with the RESP® Biosensor detected worsening lung sounds in a patient hospitalized for COPD, even when bedside clinical exams suggested improvement. The patient was monitored during hospitalization and after discharge, with 30-second recordings collected every 15 minutes.
While clinicians noted resolving wheezes and improved air movement prior to discharge, RESP data showed a 44% increase in coughs and a 119% increase in wheezes. After discharge, the device recorded escalating abnormal lung sounds, culminating in hospital readmission. On the day of readmission, wheezes were up 316% and coughs 580% compared to the day prior. Following readmission and treatment, abnormalities stabilized at lower levels.
These findings demonstrate the potential of the RESP Biosensor to identify early signs of deterioration in the vulnerable post-discharge period, offering opportunities for timely intervention to prevent costly readmissions.
