A comparative study of serum homocysteine levels among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with and without acute exacerbation

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Acute exacerbations of COPD significantly impact disease progression and patient outcomes. Serum homocysteine, a potential biomarker of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, may play a role in COPD pathophysiology. This study aims to compare serum homocysteine levels between stable COPD patients and those experiencing acute exacerbations. Materials and Methods: Serum homocysteine levels were analyzed by enzymatic assay from the stable and acute exacerbation groups and correlated with the severity of COPD, along with erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR ) and COPD assessment test (CAT) score results. Results: The serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in the acute exacerbation group (18.2 + 7.6) compared to the stable COPD group (15.8 + 5.2). Higher serum homocysteine levels were seen in patients with higher CAT and ESR scores. Conclusion: Serum homocysteine is a valuable indicator associated with acute exacerbation of COPD. It also serves as a marker of disease severity in conjunction with ESR and CAT scores.