[COPD: a disease with systemic inflammation]

COPD is considered today as an inflammatory disease of the lungs and bronchi, often associated with circulating inflammatory markers and non-respiratory co-morbidities. C-reactive protein is a good example of a circulating biomarker in this disease. Recent studies have shown that it is particularly associated with some phenotypes of COPD, that it is linked with cardiovascular and other co-morbidities, and that it has genetic determinants. In view of reports in the recent literature treatments aimed at decreasing systemic inflammation in COPD, in particular the use of statins, are discussed. Treatment of COPD should no longer be limited to relief of bronchial obstruction, but should, in the future, address the systemic inflammation that characterizes this disease.