Blood Biomarkers in Patients with COPD with Coexisting Bronchiectasis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis frequently coexist, leading to more severe disease outcomes and an increased inflammatory burden. This study evaluates blood parameters in COPD patients with and without bronchiectasis to determine their significance in disease prognosis and management.  Methods: A cross-sectional study of 70 COPD patients (20 with bronchiectasis) was conducted at a tertiary hospital. Blood investigations included CRP, NLR, PLR, eosinophil count, hemoglobin, serum albumin, PCV, total leukocyte count, liver enzymes, and renal markers. Bronchiectasis was confirmed via HRCT. Statistical analysis used chi-square tests and logistic regression to assess biomarker differences.  Results: COPD patients with bronchiectasis exhibited significantly elevated CRP (7.7 ± 2.5 mg/L vs. 5.9 ± 2.0 mg/L; p=0.02), NLR (2.6 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 0.8; p=0.03), and PLR (100 ± 13 vs. 88 ± 10; p=0.04), indicating higher systemic inflammation. Eosinophil counts were lower (0.9 ± 0.2% vs. 1.8 ± 0.4%; p=0.05), suggesting a predominant neutrophilic inflammation. Additionally, bronchiectasis patients exhibited lower serum albumin (1.7 ± 0.3 g/dL vs. 2.5 ± 0.4 g/dL; p=0.02) and hemoglobin levels (12.8 ± 1.3 g/dL vs. 13.5 ± 1.2 g/dL; p=0.05), indicating potential malnutrition and anemia. These findings highlight the systemic inflammatory burden and altered hematological parameters in COPD-bronchiectasis overlap patients.  Conclusion: COPD patients with coexisting bronchiectasis show heightened inflammation, anemia, and organ dysfunction, indicating greater disease severity. Early detection and targeted management are crucial for better outcomes.