Neurophysiological biomarkers of peripheral nervous system affection in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is accompanied by substantial systemic dysregulations that comprise systemic inflammation and neurohormonal activation in addition to many neurological involvements, such as cerebrovascular diseases, polyneuropathies, motor neuron diseases, and cognitive impairment has been described in COPD patients. The aim of the current work was to detect the subclinical affection of the peripheral nervous system in patients with stable COPD. Results Forty COPD patients and 30 subjects as healthy control were enrolled. All included subjects were submitted to complete medical history, clinical evaluations, investigations in the form of; arterial blood gases, spirometry, in addition to nerve conduction study. The patients with COPD were classified according to GOLD criteria for severity in grade I in 7.5% grade II in 62.5%, grade III in 20%, and grade IV in 10%. The results show a statistically significant increase in distal latency and a statistically significant decrease of amplitude and conduction velocity in patients with COPD when compared to the examined nerves of control group. The demyelinating nerve affection was the most common. Conclusion In COPD patients the peripheral nervous system could be affected subclinically once the severity of COPD increased and the patient should be neurophysiologically observed for early recognition of peripheral nervous system affection.

Automated summary

The study found that patients with COPD often exhibit subclinical affection of the peripheral nervous system, with delayed distal latency, decreased amplitude, and reduced conduction velocity, most commonly attributed to demyelination.