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Updated: May 20, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
[Characteristics of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease related to systemic inflammation]
Ingrid Solanes1, Ignasi Bolíbar, Maria Antònia Llauger
1Departamento de Neumología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica (IIB Sant Pau), Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España. isolanes@santpau.cat
Background And Objective:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by a systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between systemic inflammation, measured with C reactive protein (CRP), and clinical and functional outcomes of the disease.
Patients And Methods:
A randomized sample of 413 COPD patients from 31 primary health care centers of Barcelona was evaluated. Medical history, anthropometric measurements, toxic habits, treatments, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) and dyspnea were registered. Spirometry, exhaled CO concentration and CRP in capillary blood were performed.
Results:
Median (standard deviation) of the age was 72 (8.4) years and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) postbronchodilatador 1.65 (0.65) l. The correlation was negative between CRP and FEV(1) postbronchodilatador(r=-0.25, P<0.001) and between CRP and CRQ scores (r=-0.098, P=0.048) and positive between CRP and CO (r=0.1, P=0.039). The ratio of patients with elevated CRP was higher in advanced GOLD stage (P<0.001), worst dyspnea (P=0.042), patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids (P=0.018) and if they had been hospitalized during the last year (P=0.026). The multivariant analysis showed, as independent factors of elevated CRP, FEV(1) postbronchodilator and CO concentration.
Conclusion:
In COPD patients, active smoking habit and the airway's obstruction degree are associated with a greater intensity of the inflammatory systemic response measured by the CRP.
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