WHAT DOES COPD EXACERBATION MEANS FOR PATIENTS AND FOR  HEALTHCARE? Capova G,Kristova V Faculty of Medicine, Dep of Pharmacology andCclinical Pharmacology, Bratislava, Slovakia OBJECTIVES: Exacerbations of COPD are the main cause of medical visits and hospitalizations of patients with COPD and lead to significant increases in resource utilization and cost to the health care system. Prevalence of COPD in the Czech Republic is 8%. In 2010  died due to COPD 1310 men and 720 women. The aim of this study was to quantify the average cost of exacerbation of COPD and patients quality of life. METHODS: We combined retrospective and prospective monitoring costs and quality of life in patients with  different stages of COPD. Comparing 2 groups: patients COPD with acute exacerbations and group without exacerbation. Quality of life was assessed with EQ5D  questionnaire. Involved 180 patients aged 40-89 years. Severe exacerbation was defined by COPD-related hospitalization or death; moderate  by oral or parenteral corticosteroid use. RESULTS: Exacerbations in 52% solved on outpatient, 48% of patients were hospitalized - stage III COPD than stage II (75%vs.18%). Mean annual costs were $ 2000 and $ 4900 for patients with two or more exacerbations. Severity of exacerbations, presence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and long-term oxygen use were associated with higher adjusted costs. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the high cost of care and significant reduced quality of life in patients with COPD exacerbations compared with patients without exacerbation. Early diagnostics of the mild form of COPD (stage I-II), early intervention and disease management , Early elimination harmful substances ( smoking cessation), new medications for moderate stage of COPD, are warranted to reduce the severity and frequency of exacerbations and the related cost impact of the disease.