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This Article Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: chest.07-2433v1 133/6/1336    most recent Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Personal Article Archive Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by de Torres, J. P Articles by Celli, B. R Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by de Torres, J. P Articles by Celli, B. R Related Content Related Editorial

C- Reactive Protein levels and survival in patients with moderate to very severe COPD

Juan P de Torres, MD^*; Victor Pinto-Plata, MD; Ciro Casanova, MD; Hanna Mullerova, PhD; Elizabeth Córdoba-Lanús, PhD^*; Mercedes Muros de Fuentes, MD^||; Armando Aguirre-Jaime, PhD^* and Bartolome R Celli, MD

^*Respiratory Research Unit Pulmonary and ^||Biochemical Analysis Departments, Hospital Ntra Sra de Candelaria, Tenerife, Spain Pulmonary and Critical Care Department, Caritas St Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston, USA GlaxoSmithKline, Worldwide Epidemiology Department, London, UK

jupa65{at}hotmail.com

Abstract

BackgroundSerum levels of CRP are increased in patients with COPD and correlate modestly with variables predictive of outcomes. In epidemiological studies, CRP level is associated with all cause mortality in patients with mild to moderate disease.

ObjectiveTo determine if CRP levels are associated with survival in patients with moderate to very severe COPD in comparison with other well-known prognostic parameters of the disease.

MethodsIn 218 stable patients with COPD we measured baseline serum CRP level, BODE index and its components, arterial oxygenation (PaO₂), inspiratory to total lung capacity ratio (IC/TLC) and Charlson co-morbidity score. We followed the patients over time and evaluated the strength of the association between the variables and all cause mortality.

ResultsDuring the follow-up time (median 36, 25-75^th percentiles: 24-50 months), 54 patients (25%) died. CRP levels were similar between survivors and deceased (3.8 mg/L, 95% CI. 1.9-8.1 vs. 4.5 mg/L, 95% CI, 2.1-11.5, p=0.22) and was not significantly associated with survival.

ConclusionsIn this population of patients with clinically moderate to very severe COPD, the level of CRP level was not associated with survival compared with other prognostic clinical tools such as the BODE index, MMRC, 6MWD, FEV₁%, IC/TLC<0.25 and PaO₂. Other long-term studies of well characterized patients with COPD could help determine the exact role of CRP levels as a biomarker in patients with clinical COPD.

Key Words: C-Reactive Protein • COPD • Survival

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Biomarkers in COPD: Are We There Yet?

Don D. Sin and S. F. Paul Man
Chest 2008 133: 1296-1298. [Full Text] [PDF]

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				D. D. Sin and S. F. P. Man Biomarkers in COPD: Are We There Yet? Chest, June 1, 2008; 133(6): 1296 - 1298. [Full Text] [PDF]