A study on the correlation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with metabolic syndrome and its components

COPD and metabolic syndrome are highly prevalent and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Limited evidence suggests a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome in COPD patients, indicating a potential link between metabolic syndrome and impaired lung function. We aimed to study the correlation between COPD severity and metabolic syndrome components, and between CRP and COPD severity.

This cross-sectional observational study involved 100 COPD outpatients. Metabolic syndrome parameters were assessed using NCEP criteria. Patients were categorized per GOLD classification using MMRC grading and spirometry. We compared blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and waist circumference across GOLD stages, and clinical, metabolic, and spirometry parameters between those with and without metabolic syndrome. Analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 9 and SPSS 26.0.

48% of COPD patients had metabolic syndrome. SBP, blood glucose and triglycerides were significantly higher in severe COPD compared to stages I and II. Among metabolic parameters, blood glucose and SBP were significant negative predictors of FEV1/FVC adjusted for age, smoking and BMI. CRP level, diabetes, hypertension, and abdominal adiposity were associated with airflow limitation severity. FEV1/FVC was significantly lower in extreme BMI groups. Those with metabolic syndrome had higher MMRC grade, exacerbation rate, and CRP, but lower FEV1/FVC and smoking history than those without.

This study emphasizes assessing and managing metabolic syndrome in COPD patients, and suggests links between inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and impaired lung function.