RENAL DYSFUNCTION IN COPD: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive yet largely preventable lung disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation due to chronic inflammation and prolonged exposure to harmful pollutants such as cigarette smoke and biomass fuel emissions. While COPD is primarily a respiratory disease, it has systemic consequences, including renal dysfunction, which remains underexplored. The mechanisms underlying renal dysfunction in COPD are thought to involve chronic hypoxia, systemic inflammation, and nephrotoxic effects of commonly used medications. Despite these potential links, the prevalence and clinical impact of renal dysfunction in COPD patients are not well understood. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate renal function in COPD patients and its association with disease severity, anemia, and other clinical parameters. We enrolled 100 COPD patients who met the GOLD criteria over a twoyear period at Dr. Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Foundation (Dr. PSIMS & RF). Renal function was assessed using blood urea levels, serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Additional parameters, including hemoglobin levels, serum albumin, and serum sodium, were analyzed. Among the study population, 25% had renal dysfunction (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m²). A substantial correlation was observed between eGFR and serum creatinine levels (p<0.001), while blood urea levels also showed a significant association with renal dysfunction (p=0.02). However, anemia, hyponatremia, and hypoalbuminemia did not demonstrate significant correlations with renal dysfunction. COPD severity, based on spirometry, also did not significantly influence renal dysfunction (p=0.32). These findings suggest that renal dysfunction in COPD is a common yet often asymptomatic comorbidity that is not solely dependent on pulmonary function decline. Given the burden of renal dysfunction in COPD, routine renal function screening should be considered for early detection and intervention. Future investigation must emphasize longitudinal studies to establish causality and assess the effect of early intervention on disease progression and survival.