Correlation of CRP and serum level of fibrinogen with severity of disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Background and objectives: Data of a previously published study have shown that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients have increased serum levels of CRP and fibrinogen. The aim of this work is to investigate if there was any correlation between inflammation factors and severity of COPD. Design and settings: A case control study conducted on 43 COPD patients and 40 healthy controls. Patients and methods: COPD were selected according to GOLD criteria. Exclusion criteria were acute exacerbation of disease in the past 4 weeks, usage of oral corticosteroids and presence of any comorbidity which could raise level of inflammatory proteins. Control group were healthy individuals. Serum levels of CRP and fibrinogen were measured. Results: The mean serum level of CRP in COPD patients was significantly higher than that of controls (p=0.03). No significant difference was found in the mean serum level of fibrinogen between cases and controls. Also, there were no significant correlation between the serum level of CRP or fibrinogen and severity of the disease and arterial O2 saturation. Conclusion: According to our study results, COPD, per se, can increase serum CRP level. Attenuation of systemic inflammation may offer new perspectives in the management of COPD and its comorbidities.