COPD is characterised by an obstruction of the airway that makes breathing difficult. It is one of the most common diseases in the world, with a quarter of the general population experiencing at least a mild form of COPD. This is far more than the 8% of study participants who reported having been previously diagnosed with the lung condition. It is well known that smoking is one of the main causes of COPD and that the risk of developing the disease increases with age. Vanfleteren found that other factors also play a role.
LinkA study of more than 18,000 people from 23 countries found a link between low body weight and COPD. This link was independent of other factors that may influence body weight, such as smoking, gender, age, and nationality. 'People with low body weight may be at an increased risk of developing COPD,' says Vanfleteren. ‘Another possible explanation is that people with COPD simply lose more weight. In any case, there is a demonstrable link between the two.' Vanfleteren also studied comorbidity, or the presence of other conditions, in COPD patients.
Comorbidity
Nearly all patients were found to have at least one other disorder. Roughly half had at least four additional symptoms, which ranged from osteoporosis and anxiety disorders to high cholesterol. 'What's interesting is that certain conditions seem to occur together,' says Vanfleteren. 'A patient with COPD and arteriosclerosis will also have high blood pressure, and someone with osteoporosis will also have kidney problems and muscle weakness.' The PhD candidate defined five different groups of COPD patients, each with their own pattern of complaints.
Complex disease
'The findings are particularly relevant on a clinical level,' explains Vanfleteren. 'COPD is a complex disease. By identifying comorbidities in time we can start treating the symptoms earlier. Nearly all COPD patients will eventually have to deal with comorbidity, which is something the attending physicians should be aware of. Future research should focus on what causes this comorbidity. At present, very little is known about this.'
Lowie Vanfleteren recently received his PhD from Maastricht University for his dissertation entitled, 'COPD and Comorbidity'.
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If you have any questions about this press release, please contact Nieky van Steenkiste of the Communications unit at Maastricht University Medical Centre+ on +31 (0)43 387 7114, +31 (0)6-12633098 or nieky.van.steenkiste@mumc.nl