COPD and microalbuminuria: a 12-year follow-up study

Eur Respir J. 2014 Apr;43(4):1042-50. doi: 10.1183/09031936.00160213. Epub 2014 Jan 16.

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low lung function independent of diagnosis and markers of inflammation are all associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Microalbuminuria, reflecting endothelial dysfunction, could be a relevant inflammatory marker of potential systemic effects of COPD. We hypothesised that there was a positive association between microalbuminuria and mortality in individuals with COPD. We conducted a 12-year follow-up study of 3129 participants in the second survey of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), Norway. At baseline, albuminuria was analysed in three urine samples and spirometry was performed. Among the participants, 136 had COPD and microalbuminuria, defined as a urinary albumin/creatinine ratio between 2.5 and 30.0 mg·mmol(-1). The main outcome measures were hazard ratio of all-cause mortality according to microalbuminuria. Compared to those with COPD without microalbuminuria, the adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality in those with COPD and microalbuminuria was 1.54, 95% CI 1.16-2.04. This result was similar after excluding cardiovascular disease at baseline. Classifying COPD severity by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, there was a positive association trend with increasing severity stages. Microalbuminuria is associated with all-cause mortality in individuals with COPD and could be a relevant tool in identification of patients with poor prognosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Albumins / analysis
  • Albuminuria / complications
  • Albuminuria / physiopathology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers
  • Body Mass Index
  • Creatinine / urine
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Inflammation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway
  • Prognosis
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / complications
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / physiopathology*
  • Regression Analysis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spirometry
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Albumins
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Creatinine