Abstract
Rationale: Exacerbations of COPD (EXCOPD) are characterized by activated pulmonary neutrophils (NEUT) with potentially increased cellular stiffness.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess NEUT stiffness in patients with COPD during and after exacerbations.
Methods: 12 COPD patients (age, 70±9 yrs; 83% male; all smokers, 71±36 pack-yrs) hospitalized for EXCOPD were included. Stiffness of peripheral NEUT was assessed using the atomic force microscopy technique within the first 72 h of admission and 12 weeks after discharge (Study Group [SG]). If patients suffered a new episode within this period of follow-up, measurements were repeated at this time in point (mean, 7±4 weeks) (Re-exacerbation Group [RG]). The COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the ADO Index and dyspnoea (MMRC) were also assessed.
Results: There were no differences on admission between the two subsets of patients. Increased NEUT stiffness in SG patients (n, 6) decreased from admission (890±293 Pa) to discharge (616±226 Pa) (p<0.05) compared to that measured in the RG subset (n, 6) (from 999±424 to 842±343 Pa). The ADO Index was associated with NEUT stiffness on admission in the two subsets of patients (r=0.60, p<0.05).
Conclusions: Changes in peripheral NEUT stiffness during COPD exacerbations and convalescence indicate that the activation of NEUT underlies enhanced pulmonary inflammation.
Supported by SEPAR-2010 and CIBERES
- © 2011 ERS
