Prognostic and Diagnostic Value of Platelet Distribution Width in COPD Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Retrospective Study

The objective of the study was to investigate the value of platelet distribution width (PDW) as a prognostic biomarker by comparing PDW between COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) (PASP 50 mmHg) and those without PH (PASP < 50 mmHg) and to explore its diagnostic and predictive value in this population. A retrospective study of 270 COPD patients in Liaocheng People's Hospital (July 2018 to July 2019) was done by dividing them into two groups according to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP): COPD-only (PASP <50 mmHg) and COPD with PH (PASP ≥50 mmHg). Routine blood tests, C-reactive protein, pulmonary function tests, echocardiography, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Questionnaire (CAT), Clinical COPD Questionnaire were performed. PDW was higher in COPD with PH group than COPD-only group. After adjusting for confounders including age, smoking history, CAT scores, white blood cell count, PDW, and NT-proBNP in COPD with PH, PDW was positively correlated with various parameters. PDW can diagnose COPD with PH, also prognostic value and cardiovascular distinction in these patients. The study concluded that PDW is a prognostic marker, reflecting pulmonary and cardiovascular physiology in COPD patients with PH. It can be used for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and individualized management for this high-risk population.