- Inclusion criteria: subjects older than 35 years; diagnosis of moderate to very severe COPD (FEV1 <80% predicted), according to the GesEPOC criteria [Arch Bronconeumol 2012;48 (Suppl 1):2-58], established at least 3 months; current or former smoker with an accumulated consumption >10 packs x year; and hospital admission for COPD exacerbation.