Abstract

Background: Based on the recent evidences it is now hypothesized a relationship between the level of aldosterone and deterioration of PAH especially in COPD patients which susceptible to PAH. Hence, the present study aimed to assess the correlation between increased serum aldosterone level and presence and severity of PAH in COPD patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 87 consecutive patients who suffered COPD. All participants initially assessed by electronic spirometer. The morning fasting venous blood samples were taken to assess the serum level of aldosterone by radioimmunoassay technique. Then all patients were examined using three-dimensional echocardiography. Results: we found no significant correlation between level of aldosterone and SPAP (r = -0.066, p = 0.542). in this regard, the mean level of aldosterone in patients with normal SPAP was 83.00 ± 35.78pg/ml, in patients with mild PAH was 82.41 ± 42.09pg/ml and in those with moderate PAH was 82.50 ± 46.19pg/ml with no difference across the groups (p = 0.446). Based on the ROC curve analysis, determining the level of serum aldosterone had low value to predict PAH in COPD patients (AUC = 0.480, P = 0.753). In a multivariable linear regression model (Table 2), the main determinants of PAH included increased RV size (beta = 0.237, p = 0.019) and reduced FEV1/FVC ratio (beta = -0.233, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Measuring aldosterone levels does not play a prognostic role in predicting the incidence or severity of PAH in patients with COPD.