RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEVERITY OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE.

The purpose of the study was to reveal possible predictors that are associated with progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and deterioration of lung function in COPD patients. The research was conducted at N. Kipshidze Central University Clinic. During the study we investigated 78 patients with COPD. Lung functions were measured by spirometry. The grade of severity of COPD was assessed in accordance with the criteria offered by The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (GOLD). According to FEV1 patients were stratified in three cohort groups: group 1 included patients with FEV1 ≥ 60% (n=36); group 2 patients' FEV1 ranged from 50% to 60% (n=36); and group 3 consisted of patients with FEV1 ≤ 50% (n=6). Results of the investigation revealed statistically significant correlation between patients' weight, specifically obesity and lung function decline. Based on study results we also may suggest that lung function in COPD patients is significantly determined by early diagnosis and respectively by early onset of disease management.