ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels and severity of disease in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Fifty-three stable COPD patients (38 males- 15 females) with median age of 56.19±9.87 years were included in the study. Patients were divided as a Group 1 (Stage I-II) with 31 patients and Group 2 (Stage III-IV) with 22 patients. Group 1 and 2 were compared according to CRP levels detected in the stable period.

There was a significant correlation between the stage of COPD and the levels of CRP. CRP levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (Stage III-IV) COPD patients than Group 1 (p<0.01).

In our study, the relationship between systemic inflammation and stage of the disease in stable COPD patients has been shown.It was concluded that higher levels of CRP were associated with higher stage of the disease.