Interní Med. 2012; 14(3): 111-115

Systemic manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): new treatment options

doc.MUDr.Jaromír Musil, Ph.D.

Oddělení tuberkulózy a respiračních nemocí, NsP Mělník

The view of COPD has changed. COPD is currently seen as a complex disease involving not only bronchial obstruction. COPD is accompanied

by systemic inflammation. The inflammation results in the development of comorbidities such as cachexia, muscular weakness,

cardiovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, anaemia, systemic hypertension, osteoporosis, depression, diabetes mellitus, or sleep

apnoea syndrome. Patients with COPD have a higher risk of developing bronchogenic carcinoma. Comorbidities must be taken into account

when making treatment decisions. It is necessary to relieve bronchial obstruction and suppress lung inflammation in which inflammatory

mediators are released into the circulation that contribute to the development of comorbidities. Indacaterol and roflumilast have

recently been added to the range of drugs intended for the treatment of patients with COPD.

Keywords: COPD, inflammation, comorbidities, treatment

Published: March 26, 2012  Show citation