Abstract
Aim: To assess relationship between serum CRP levels and clinical parameters known to predict outcome, smoking history and biomass exposure in COPD.
Methods: Spirometry, echocardiography, Sp02 measurements and serum CRP levels were assessed in 89 stable COPD patients and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. BODE index scores were assessed in COPD patients. Associations between CRP levels and clinical parameters were evaluated.
Results: Of the COPD group (11% stage 1, 48% stage 2, 29% stage 3, 11% stage 4) mean age is 60,6 ± 8,5 years. CRP levels are higher in COPD patients than in controls (7.22±9.84 mg/L, 3.14±2.27 mg/L; p=0.005). CRP levels were not significantly different between COPD patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids and those not treated (7.90±10.65 mg/L, 6.17±8.46 mg/L; p>0.05). Significant relationship is found between CRP levels and FEV1, FEV1%, FVC, FVC%, SpO2, MMRC dyspnea scale, 6 minute walk distance and BODE scores. Using multivariate analysis BODE scores and coexistence of systemic hypertension manifested the strongest association. CRP levels in COPD patients with and without pulmonary hypertension were significantly different (11.86±13.38 mg/L, 5.78±8.05 mg/L; p=0.012). CRP levels did not differ significantly according to smoking status and biomass exposure in COPD patients though COPD cases due to biomass exposure who never smoked also had higher CRP levels compared to healthy controls (9.16±10.03 mg/L, 3.14±2.27 mg/L; p=0.028).
Conclusion: Systemic inflammation is related to disease severity and to concomitant systemic hypertension and pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients independent of smoking status or biomass exposure.
- © 2012 ERS
