Correlations between functional performance, health status and inflammatory biomarkers in stable COPD

Background: Progressive of COPD is associated with reduced functional performance, impaired health status, and comorbidities. Inflammatory biomarkers are thought to reflect systemic effects. Aim: To explore correlations between functional performance, health status and inflammatory biomarkers in stable COPD patients. Methods: We analysed data from an ongoing observational study of stable COPD patients without exacerbation history within 3 months of enrolment. Demographics, clinical characteristics, spirometry and comorbidities were recorded. Functional performance was assessed by 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), handgrip strength, modified MRC dyspnea scale (mMRC), and Veteran9s Specific Activity Questionnaire (VSAQ). Health status was evaluated by CAT, SGRQ-C, and SF12 Health Survey. Biomarkers measured were ESR, CRP, fibrinogen, and WBC. Results: Twenty-one subjects (18 men) were included: Age 70.8±5.7 years, FEV1 59.5±21.4%, smoking history 49.0 ± 30.8 pack-years, exacerbation history 43%, cardiovascular disease 45%, asthma 20%, and cancer 20%. We found negative correlations between 6MWD and mMRC (r=-0.74, p Conclusions: Functional performance in stable COPD is significantly associated with health status and systemic inflammatory biomarkers. These measures should be included in routine COPD assessment.