A Prospective Analysis of Cognitive Functions in Stable Nonhypoxemic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients...

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex, multi-component disorder characterized by a long-lasting, irreversible airflow limitation due to inflammation, which leads to narrowing of the airway lumen. A variety of influencing factors may cause cognitive impairment (CI) in patients with COPD, including age, disease duration, severity, hypercapnia, smoking, and vascular dysfunction. This study assessed cognitive functions in non-hypoxic stable COPD patients.

An observational study was conducted in the Department of Physiology and Medicine, Rajasthan University of Health Sciences College of Medical Sciences (RUHS CMS). A total of 120 subjects were recruited. The cases (group A) were selected according to the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification. GOLD stage 1 and 2 patients confirmed by spirometry. Controls (group B) were selected as age-matched healthy volunteers(HVs) from the society. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and event-related potential (P300) were used to assess cognitive functions in both groups. Data was analyzed using appropriate tests, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

The mean MMSE score was found to decrease in Group A compared to Group B. The mean MMSE score in group A was 24.65 with an standard deviation of ± 2.05; in group B, it was detected as 27.56 ± 2.15 (p < 0.00001). The mean latency of the P300 wave was prolonged in some cases, and a decrease in the Amplitude of the P300 wave was observed in some cases compared to the control group. Mean latency in case group 298.48 ± 21.98 milliseconds compared to control group 265.89 ± 15.80 milliseconds, with a significant p-value <0.0001. The mean amplitude in group A was detected as 4.25 ± 1.502 μV, compared to a mean of 6.06 ± 1.94 μV in group B.

Patients with COPD have a higher risk of CI compared to the age-matched healthy volunteer group.