Gamma globulin fraction of the proteinogram and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the levels of the serum gamma globulin fraction in proteinograms as a biomarker to assess the severity, and to predict the mortality and new exacerbations in patients admitted for an exacerbation of a COPD. Patients and methods The VIRAE study was carried out on a cohort of patients hospitalized for an exacerbation of probable infectious origin of COPD over a period of 2 years. The levels of the serum gamma globulin fraction were analysed in the proteinogram of 120 patients. The main clinical indicators of severity were also evaluated. Key features were compared in 2 groups (gamma fraction in the proteinogram greater or less than 6.6 g/dl). Results The levels of the serum gamma fraction in the proteinogram correlated with the FEV 1 ( p  = 0.009), the CRP ( p  = 0.04), and the number of readmissions after 6 months of hospitalization ( p  = 0.04). We observed a good association with the GOLD scale, the BODE index and the mMRC dyspnoea scale; and also with treatment with oral corticoids and home oxygen therapy. We did not find it to be a good predictor of mortality, despite observing increased mortality rates one year after hospital admission in patients with low levels of the factor. Conclusions The levels of the gamma globulin fraction in proteinograms have a good correlation with the FEV 1 . In addition, they are associated with a greater severity of patients with COPD. This simple biomarker may be useful in identifying high-risk patients.