Risk factors of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in COPD

Recent epidemiological studies demonstrated that bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) is an independent predictor of COPD risk and the second most important risk factor for COPD after smoking. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess factors associated with BHR in COPD patients. Methods: 139 COPD patients (GOLD II) 119 males and 20 females meanage of 58 yrs were studied. Medical history, clinical features and BHR were analyzed. Criteria of BHR was provocative dose of methacholine (PD 20 ) Results: BHR was revealed in 68 % patients with COPD. Age of patients did not differ between subjects with BHR and without BHR. The frequency and level of BHR were significantly different according to gender. Among COPD women BHR was higherand was revealed in 90% of cases compared with 65% of men (p=0,035): OR=4,9 (1,6 2 (p=0,001). The number of patients with obesity (BMI > 30,0 kg/m 2 ) was 2 times higher among patients with BHR (38,9% vs. 20,5%, p = 0,034) in comparison to patients without BHR: OR=3,4 (1,3 20 ofcurrent smokers and ex-smokers: OR=1,5 (0,6 Conclusions: Thus, the most significant factors for the BHR formation in COPD patients are female sex and overweight, including obesity. An intensity of smoking influenced on a degree of BHR in COPD patients.