Hypoalbuminemia as an Independent Risk Factor for Acute Respiratory Failure in Copd Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: COPD is a major public health burden and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a frequent complication of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). Hypoalbuminemia, a marker of malnutrition and systemic inammation, may predict adverse outcomes in these patients. Objective: To evaluate serum albumin levels in COPD patients and analyze hypoalbuminemia as an independent predictor of Type II acute respiratory failure. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 70 patients admitted with AECOPD to Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences between January and November 2024. Patients with PCO₂ >45 mmHg on ABG were diagnosed with Type II ARF. Serum albumin <3.2 g/dL was dened as hypoalbuminemia. Associations between hypoalbuminemia and ARF were analyzed. Results: Hypoalbuminemia was signicantly associated with ARF. Among patients with hypoalbuminemia, 98% developed ARF, while only 2 did not. Older age, higher PCO₂, and lower serum albumin were all independently associated with the development of ARF. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia is a signicant and independent predictor of acute respiratory failure in COPD patients and may be useful for early risk stratication in hospitalized cases.