Background: Decreased physical activity significantly increases the probability of
prevalent metabolic syndrome (MetS) with substantial impact on the expected course
of COPD. Objective: Our research aims to assess the metabolic consequences of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its interrelations
with age, sex, comorbidities, drug intake, degree of decreased lung function, nutritional
status, physical activity and quality of life. Methods: A cross-sectional study was
performed on a random sample (n = 401) at the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
of the National Koranyi Institute of Pulmonology from March 1, 2019 to March 1, 2020
in Budapest, Hungary. Anthropometric and respiratory function tests and laboratory
parameters of all patients were registered. Results: MetS occurred in 59.1% of COPD
patients with significant gender difference (male: 49.7% female: 67.6%). Concerning
BMI, the prevalence of MetS was higher with BMI >= 25 kg m(-2) (P < 0.0001). Patients
with this syndrome had significantly worse FEV1%pred (43 (30-56) vs. 47 (36-61); P
= 0.028), lower quality of life (CAT: 26 (21-32) vs. 24.5 (19-29); P = 0.049) and
significantly more frequent exacerbations (2 (1-3) vs.1 (0-2); P < 0.05), than patients
without MetS. The prevalence of comorbidities were higher in overweight/obese patients
(BMI> 25 kg m(-2)). Conclusions: In COPD patients MetS negatively affect respiratory
function and quality of life and promotes exacerbations of the disease. MetS is related
to nutritional status and the level of systemic inflammation in COPD patients.
