Evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with copd and its correlation with respiratory functions

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the right ventricle functions in COPD and to investigate its relationship with the stage of the disease and respiratory functions. Matrial and Method: This retrospective study was conducted in our Pulmonology and Cardiology clinics between December 2015 and 2016. Thirtyfour patients with COPD (who did not show any evidence of cardiac failure), 21 healthy subjects were included in the study. The patients with GOLD stages 1 and 2 COPD were included in Group 1, while Group 2 included the cases of GOLD stages 3 and 4. For each participant, the medical files were reviewed and the following data were recorded: the BODE index and PFT parameters, left ventricle ejection fraction, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (SPAP), systolic and diastolic dimensions of the right ventricle, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricle myocardial perfusion index (Tei index). Results:The mean ages in the COPD and the control groups were 66.0 ± 9.0 and 51.7 ± 6.8 (p=0.001). Group 1 and Group 2 and analyzed, the advanced disease group showed significantly lower six-minute walk test results and significantly higher Tei index values (p=0.001 and p=0.040). TAPSE was found to be negatively correlated with CAT score and SPAP. Also, the Tei index was negatively correlated with the six-minute walk test and positively correlated with the BODE index.Discussion: COPD patients may show symptoms of right ventricle dysfunction depending on the stage of the disease. TAPSE and the Tei index, seem to be closely related to the functional status and prognosis in this patient population.