The metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Purpose : This study was undertaken to evaluate the presence of the metabolic syndrome in COPD patients. The metabolic syndrome is characterized by the presence of abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, raised blood pressure, presence of insulin resistance, and prothrombotic and inflammatory states that predispose to cardiovascular diseases. Method : 51 stable COPD patients (31 male, 20 female), and 51 control participants (31 male, 20 female) matched for age and gender are included in this study. The criteria for the identification of the metabolic syndrome include 3 or more of the following features: 1.Abdominal obesity (waist circumference: ≥ 102 cm in men, ≥ 88 cm in women). 2.Triglycerides (≥ 150 mg/dl). 3.HDL-Cholesterol (<40 mg/dl in men, <50 mg/dl in women). 4.Blood pressure (≥ 130/ ≥ 85 mm Hg). 5.Fasting plasma glucose (≥ 110 mg/dl ). Result : 41.2% of COPD patients and 13.7% of control participants presented 3 or more determinants of the metabolic syndrome. Conclusion : The study showed that frequency of metabolic syndrome was higher in stable COPD patients than control subjects. Hence, this population should be considered for screening for the metabolic syndrome.