Gender differences of echocardiographic characteristics in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease with significant comorbidities. Cardiovascular complications may affect management of these patients. Echocardiography is simple, rapid and accurate bedside tool for assessment of cardiac function. Aims & Objectives: To explore gender differences of echocardiographic characteristics in the patients hospitalized with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). Methods: Present study is a retrospective analysis of 124 (Male/ Female: 62/62) patients admitted with AECOPD, which were selected using propensity score matching. The two cohorts were matched by age, presence of hypertension or diabetes and evaluated by findings of tranthoracic 2D echocardiography. Results: The mean age of study population was 62.7±8.2 years. Right heart disorders were observed in 38(61.2%) and 40(64.5%) patients in each group. No significant difference was identified according to gender in presence of Left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction and cor pulmonale (p>0.05). Men had higher LV systolic dysfunction, compared with women (27.4%, 11.2%, p=0.04). Pulmonary hypertension was observed much more likely in women than men (54.8%, 74.2%, p=0.03), also measurable tricuspid regurgitation was significantly more frequent in women (59.6%, 82.2%, p=0.01). Conclusions: In patients hospitalized with AECOPD, there was statistical significance by gender for echocardiographic abnormalities. Significantly more males were having LV systolic dysfunction than females. Frequency of pulmonary hypertension and tricuspid regurgitation were significantly greater in females. Further studies are warranted to confirm and explain these gender-related differences.