New insights into COPD: Two biomarkers enable early risk assessment

Researchers at Philipps University Marburg (DZL site UGMLC) have made progress in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A large-scale study demonstrates that two specific lung markers – the diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide and static lung hyperinflation – can reliably predict the risk of disease progression and premature death. The findings, led by Dr. Hendrik Pott from the Institute for Lung Research at Philipps University Marburg, were published in the journal Respirology.

COPD affects millions worldwide and is one of the leading causes of death. By analyzing a patient cohort from the COSYCONET clinical study, the researchers identified that a decline in carbon monoxide diffusion capacity or lung hyperinflation within an 18-month observation period indicates an increased risk of mortality in the following years. The cohort, consisting of approximately 1,300 individuals, was assessed using three data sets: disease progression, patient-reported quality of life through questionnaires, and lung function test results. These data were linked to various inflammatory proteins, providing insights into the key biomarkers.

In Marburg, there is a particular focus on personalized medicine for COPD within the framework of the PerMed-COPD research platform and the DZL.

“These markers help us identify particularly vulnerable patients early and treat them more effectively,” explains Dr. Hendrik Pott. COPD, often caused by smoking and air pollution, leads to permanent lung damage. With insights like these, clinicians can better tailor treatments to meet the individual needs of patients in the future.

Original publication: Pott H, Weckler B, Gaffron S, Martin R, Maier D, Alter P, et al. Diffusion capacity and static hyperinflation as markers of disease progression predict 3-year mortality in COPD: Results from COSYCONET. Respirology. 2024.

Source: Pressemitteilung der Philipps-Universität Marburg