Relation of cardiac enzymes and echocardiographical findings with long-term mortality after chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, exacerbations of which increase strain on the heart. In our study, effects of cardiac enzymes and echocardiographical findings to the long term mortality in patients with respiratory insufficiency due to COPD attack Methods: From the Yedikule hospital database, 208 patients discharged after treatment for COPD exacerbation in the period 2006–2009 were identified and followed-up until January 30, 2011. Median observation time was 40 mounth. In 208 patients, measurements of cardiac-specific enzymes (troponin, hearth type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), NT-ProBNP, CK-MB) were available. Also electrocardiografic, echocardiography findings and arterial blood gas analysis (ABG) of the pateints were recorded. Clinical data were retrieved from patient records and date of death was obtained from the Turkish National Registry. Results: In the univariate analysis; troponin levels, left ventricular ejection fraction, having right ventricule dysfunction were statistically significant. In multivariate analysis; elevated cTnI was significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality in the observation period (p Conclusion: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with elevated cardiac-specific Troponin I during exacerbation are at increased risk of death after discharge.