GENDER-DIFFERENCES IN THE LUNG FUNCTION AND CIRCULATING LEUKOCYTES IN COPD PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN MANIPUR, INDIA

Abstract

Background- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent health conditions, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the globe. Once thought of primarily as a disease of men,COPD is now known to be increasingly prevalent among women. However, little is known about gender-related differences in the lung function and circulating levels of leukocyte in COPD.Objective- To study the possible gender-related differences in the lung function and leukocyte levels in the blood of COPD patients. Methods- It is a cross-sectional study enrolling 40 COPD patients (22 males and 18 females).12 out of 18 female patients already attained menopause.Lung function was studied by computerized spirometer (Helios 401/701) and blood leukocyte counts (absolute neutrophil count,absolute eosinophil count,absolute basophil count,absolute lymphocyte count and absolute monocyte count) were determined by using suitable diluting fluids. Results- A higher FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR and FEF25-75 in male as compared to female COPD patients are seen but not statistically significant (P>0.05).The mean neutrophil concentration is found to be higher in female patients whereas eosinophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts are found to be higher in male patients but these findings are again statistically not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion- There seems to be a propensity for the female gender to suffer from COPD and have severe form of the disease when compared to male patients. A gender-related difference in systemic inflammation in patients with COPD in terms of circulating leukocyte levels can also be seen.