Different chronic obstructive pulmonary disease phenotypes, systemic inflammation and the risk of falls

Abstract

Balance deficits constitute an important secondary impairment in individuals with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim: of our study was to observe which of the two COPD phenotypes (emphysematous and bronchitic) is more likely to experience falls and to investigate a possible connection between balance impairment and systemic inflammation. Methods: We included 27 stable COPD patients (emphysematous and bronchitic) and 17 healthy subjects (control group) who completed questionnaires and performed a series of balance tests: Activities Balance Confidence scale (ABC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Single Leg Stance (SLS) and Six Minutes Walking Distance test (6MWD). We analyzed the correlation between balance tests scores and inflammatory biomarkers (CRP and fibrinogen). Results: COPD was associated with significant worsening of balance tests, especially for the bronchitic phenotype: CAT (3 control vs. 20 emphysematous phenotype, vs. 18 bronchitic phenotype, p Conclusion: Patients with COPD have a higher risk of falls than their healthy peers, especially bronchitic phenotype. Systemic inflammation may be the missing link between COPD and balance impairment.