Endothelial injury in COPD assessed by microalbuminuria (MAB) and von Willebrand factor levels (vWf:Ag) and activity (vWf:Ac)

Introduction: There is evidence for the presence of endothelial dysfunction in patients with COPD. Objectives: We sought to examine potential associations of two important markers of endothelial dysfunction, MAB as well as serum vWf:Ag and vWf:Ac, in patients with COPD. Methods: 103 outpatients with stable COPD and 42 smokers of more than 10-pack-years without airway obstruction (control group) were included. Results: Cardiovascular risk, assessed by HEART score, was not different between the two groups (P=0.061).The presence of MAB was greater in patients with COPD than in the control group: 29% vs. 12% P=0.032.Patients with COPD had significantly higher levels of MAB than controls (mean±SD): 42.17±67.16 vs. 14.17±15.80 mg/g, P=0.001. In the COPD group, the presence of MAB was different among GOLD 2020 ABCD groups (P=0.006), being highest (47%) in group D. Presence of microalbuminuria was greater in patients with CAT score ≥10 (P=0.017) and in patients with FEV1 Conclusions: The present study has found significant associations of MAB, vWf:Ag and vWf:Ac with the new version of ABCD grading system and with COPD patients who have reduced lung function.