Comparative evaluation of DECAF and BAP 65 scores in predicting outcomes of COPD exacerbations among in patients at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

Title : Comparative evaluation of DECAF and BAP 65 scores in predicting outcomes of COPD exacerbations among in patients at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

Abstract:

Background: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Accurate prognostic tools are essential for timely risk stratification and management in hospitalized patients.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the predictive performance of DECAF and BAP-65 scores for clinical outcomes, specifically in-hospital mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation, among Filipino patients admitted with AECOPD at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.
Methods: Eighty patients with AECOPD were prospectively evaluated. The DECAF and BAP-65 scores were calculated on admission. Clinical outcomes, including in-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation requirement, were recorded. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of each score were analyzed and compared.
Results: DECAF demonstrated higher sensitivity in predicting mortality (97.44%) compared to BAP-65 (69.23%), though with lower specificity (26.83% vs. 60.98%). DECAF also showed excellent predictive accuracy for mechanical ventilation, with sensitivity and specificity of 95.71% and 90%, respectively, surpassing BAP-65’s 58.57% and 80%. Positive predictive values were similarly high for both scores in mechanical ventilation prediction, but DECAF’s negative predictive value (75%) was markedly better than BAP-65’s (21.62%). These results suggest DECAF is more effective in identifying high-risk patients requiring intensive care, while BAP-65 may be useful for rapid bedside risk assessment where resources are limited.
Conclusion: Both DECAF and BAP-65 scores are valuable in predicting mortality and mechanical ventilation among hospitalized AECOPD patients. DECAF’s superior sensitivity and specificity make it the preferred tool for comprehensive risk assessment in resource-equipped settings, while BAP-65’s ease of use supports its application in resource-limited contexts.

Biography:

Dr. Allanys Joy  Pino, a Filipino physician based on Cebu, Philippines is a dedicated Internal Medicine Level III resident committed to excellence in patient care, lifelong learning, and academic leadership. Dr. Pino is currently completing her specialization training in the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, where she also serves as the Internal Medicine Chief Resident (External) for 2024–2025 and has been the Stroke Team Resident-in-Charge since 2023. Throughout her residency, she has distinguished herself academically, placing in multiple regional pulmonology and medical quiz bowls, including 1st place in the 27th BAGA PCCP Central Visayas Pulmonology Quiz Bowl (2023) and several 3rd and 4th place finishes in subsequent years. Dr. Pino completed her Post-Graduate Internship at VSMMC (2021–2022) and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Cebu College of Medicine Foundation, Inc. (2017–2021), where she consistently ranked among the top students. She also excelled in academic competitions, emerging as Champion in both the CPC 8th Regional Visayas Conference and the CMS Interschool Quiz Bowl in 2019. Her pre-medical education at Cebu Doctors’ University (2012–2017) was marked by similar excellence, earning recognition as Most Outstanding Intern and Champion of the 2016 PAMET Quiz Bowl. Licensed as both a physician (October 2022) and medical technologist (August 2017), Dr. Pino possesses strong communication skills, and is known for her adaptability, professionalism, and patient-centered approach. She has attended numerous national and regional conventions, workshops, and postgraduate courses across neurology, pulmonology, infectious diseases, cardiology, and evidence-based medicine, reflecting her commitment to continuous professional development. Through her academic achievements, clinical leadership, research involvement, and dedication to service, Dr. Allanys Joy Q. Pino continues to build a career grounded in excellence, compassion, and advocacy for quality healthcare.