Abstract

Introduction: COPD and metabolic syndrome are both widely prevalent and significant contributors to mortality and morbidity across the world. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the world. There is limited epidemiological and clinical evidence is there to support a higher frequency of metabolic syndrome among COPD patients suggesting a possible link between metabolic syndrome and lung function impairment. In our study we aimed to study the correlation of COPD severity with the components of metabolic syndrome and also to find the correlation of CRP as a marker of systemic inflammation with COPD severity.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on patients attending medicine and chest medicine OPDs of IPGME and R, Kolkata from February 2018 to August 2019. Anthropometric measurements were taken, spirometry was conducted, mMRC scale was used for dyspnea severity assessment, metabolic syndrome was defined as per revised NCEP criteria and relevant blood investigations were done. 94 men and 6 women enrolled for the study.

Results: In the study population of 100 COPD patients, 48 had metabolic syndrome. The mean FBS of COPD patients in GOLD stage III was significantly higher than those in stage I and II (p<0.001). Patients in GOLD stage III was found to have significantly higher mean SBP than those in GOLD stage II (p<0.005). A significant negative correlation was also found between CRP and FEV1 (ρ -0.0698, p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between fasting blood sugar levels with FEV1. No statistically significant difference in waist circumference BMI or triglyceride levels was found among COPD patients across all GOLD stages.

Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need to assess, control and adequately manage metabolic syndrome and its parameters in patients of COPD. It also demonstrates a possible role of systemic inflammation and its adverse effect on lung function among patients with metabolic syndrome coexistent with COPD.