Bronchial airflow limitation, smoking, body mass index, and statin use are strongly associated with the C-reactive protein level in the elderly.: The Tromsø Study 2001

Summary Background Bronchial airflow limitation is a known predictor of raised C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The aim of this study was to explore this association in an elderly population, as well as the influence of other known and possible predictors of the CRP level, like smoking and the use of statins and inhaled corticosteroids. Population and methods The study population consists of 3877 Norwegians aged 60 years or more who took part in the fifth Tromso study in 2001, a cross-sectional study. The examinations included questionnaires, spirometry and the measurement of CRP. Results A geometric mean CRP value of 3.15mg/L was found in subjects with severe airflow limitation (FEV 1 % 1 /FVC p Conclusion We found a strong link between bronchial airflow limitation and the circulating CRP level in an elderly population, independent of self-reported diseases, medication, smoking, and elevated BMI. The CRP value increased with increasing age in men, but not in women, which may be partly explained by a greater impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) morbidity on the CRP level in men than in women. Measuring CRP may show to be a useful part of the diagnostic work-up in COPD patients.