Relationship between endothelial dysfunction and GOLD stage in patients with COPD

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by irreversible airway obstruction. Patients with COPD are more likely to develop endothelial dysfunction(ED). ED is the interruption of endothelial homeostasis, release of inflammatory cytokines and increased vasoactive substance production. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between ED and GOLD stage in patients with COPD. Materials and methods: Transversal study with COPD patients (n=42), 18 years or older. ED was evaluated by photoplethysmography, with a maximal amplitude time-total time index (MAT/TT) Results: Patient9s age was 71.40 ± 10.12 years. ED prevalence according to GOLD stage were GOLD 1: 33.33%, GOLD 2: 40%, GOLD 3: 100%, GOLD 4: 80%. According to the mild-moderate and severe classification, the severe group had a greater prevalence of ED (85.71% vs 37.50%, p = 0.020). In addition, the MAT/TT index was greater in the severe group (0.38 ± 0.08 vs 0.33 ± 0.08, p=0.325) than the mild-moderate group. The prevalence of comorbidities was the same amongst groups: obesity (18.18 % vs 29.73%, p=0.177), arterial hypertension (42.03% vs 51.35, p=0.358) and diabetes mellitus (17.39% vs 8.11%, p= p= 0.191). Conclusions: There is a greater prevalence of ED in COPD patients with GOLD scores 3 and 4 than in those patients with GOLD scores 1 and 2.