Abstract
COPD typically shows poliglobulia secondary to hypoxemia. But, the opposite situation is also observed.
Aims: Quantify and classify the anemia in COPD patients with an exacerbation, describe clinical characteristics, factors which determine the anemia and the influence of the anemia in survival.
Methods: Observational prospective study of COPD patientes with exacerbation. Demographic and anthropometric information as well as co morbidities and lung functional test is recorded. We measured survival after discharge and mortality risk factors.
Results: 106 were included (93 men). Average age was 71±9, BMI 25.7±5.6 kg/m2, FEV1 39±13%. 88.9% used to smoke or were smoking at present. Anemia prevalence was 37.7%. dyslipidemia (73.6%), high blood pressure (59.4%), heart failure (59.4%) and pulmonary hypertension (44.3%). Average Charlson index was 5.9±1.4 (87.9% ≥ 5), and the META index measured by bioelectric impedianciometry was 22.3±7.8. 48.1% were taking more than 5 treatments. In logistic regression test factors that determined anemia were age, iron and creatinin levels (p<0.05) and the META index (p<0.01). Survival in patients with anemia was 39±4 months compared to 53±3 months in patients without anemia (p<0.001).
Mortality risk factors were FEV1, BMI and creatinin levels.
Conclusion: Anemia is frequent in COPD patients with exacerbation. Survival is clearly influenced by anemia. Age, iron levels, creatinin levels and META index influence the most.
- © 2011 ERS