Abstract
Background: Progressive of COPD is associated with reduced functional performance, impaired health status, and comorbidities. Inflammatory biomarkers are thought to reflect systemic effects.
Aim: To explore correlations between functional performance, health status and inflammatory biomarkers in stable COPD patients.
Methods: We analysed data from an ongoing observational study of stable COPD patients without exacerbation history within 3 months of enrolment. Demographics, clinical characteristics, spirometry and comorbidities were recorded. Functional performance was assessed by 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), handgrip strength, modified MRC dyspnea scale (mMRC), and Veteran's Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ). Health status was evaluated by CAT, SGRQ-C, and SF12 Health Survey. Biomarkers measured were ESR, CRP, fibrinogen, and WBC.
Results: Twenty-one subjects (18 men) were included: Age 70.8±5.7 years, FEV1 59.5±21.4%, smoking history 49.0 ± 30.8 pack-years, exacerbation history 43%, cardiovascular disease 45%, asthma 20%, and cancer 20%. We found negative correlations between 6MWD and mMRC (r=-0.74, p<0.001), CAT (r=-0.61, P=0.003), SGRQ-C (r=-0.63, P=0.002), ESR (r=-0.59, P=0.006), CRP (r=-0.76, P<0.001), fibrinogen (r=-0.68, P=0.001) and WBC (r=-0.58, P=0.007) and positive correlations with SF12 (r=0.52, P=0.016). Handgrip strength was negatively correlated with WBC (r=-0.50, P=0.024) and trended to a positive correlation with 6MWD (r=0.39, P=0.07).
Conclusions: Functional performance in stable COPD is significantly associated with health status and systemic inflammatory biomarkers. These measures should be included in routine COPD assessment.
- Copyright ©the authors 2017