Status of Haematocrit Level in COPD Patient Admitted in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: COPD is a common, preventable and treatable disease which is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation that is due to airway and/or alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases.1–3 It is a leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide that includes an economic and social burden which is both substantial and increasing.1,4

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to observe the haematocrit status in COPD patients admitted in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Medicine, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from March 2022 to February 2023. After careful history taking, examination and appropriate investigations fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria, total 100 clinically diagnosed COPD patients with a FEV1/vital capacity (FVC) ratio <70% and a FEV1 <80% predicted, were included in this study irrespective of their age, sex, race and ethnic group.

Result: Mean age of all patients was 55.42±7.05 years (median: 55, range: 40-71 year), wherein maximum patients belonged to 50-59 years of age (51%). Major part of the study patients was male (90%) with a male: female ratio 9:1. Maximum patients were hailed from rural area (70%). Most of the patients were illiterate or had below primary level of education (61%).Maximum patients were farmer or day laborer (51%).Of all, 58% patients were from lower socio-economic status. Most of the study patients were underweight (65%). More than 

90% of the study patients were smoker. Maximum patients had severe COPD (60%) followed by very severe (22%) and moderate (18%) COPD. Mean FEV1 of all patients was 40.52±13.27% predicted. Average duration of COPD of study patients was 6.37±2.70 years. Mean haematocrit level of all patients was 48.49±3.92% wherein male had a mean of 48.97±3.64% and female had 44.20±3.91% haematocrit. Mean haematocrit level was significantly higher among very severe COPD patients (52.91±2.41%) compared to moderate and severe COPD (43.83±3.07 and 48.27±2.65%, respectively) as p value <0.001.Pearson correlation model showed significant moderate negative association between FEV1 and haematocrit level among COPD patients (R= -0.736, p value <0.001).

Conclusion: Based on these research findings, mean haematocrit level was significantly higher among very severe COPD patients compared to moderate and severe COPD, which suggest that haematocrit level was significantly associated with severity of COPD.

Chest Heart J. 2025; 49(1) : 29-34