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Biomarkers in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Emergency Medicine and the Intensive Care Unit: A Review

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Biomarkers in Trauma, Injury and Critical Care

Abstract

Biomarkers have been playing a pivotal role in diagnosis and monitoring therapeutic strategies in modern medicine. COPD is one of the leading causes of mortality across the world. Biomarkers in COPD have been in research stage in the last few years and now have become existential. They still remain elusive for clinical practice across the globe. Recent research in COPD has shown promising results for applying these parameters for diagnosing, prognosticating, and monitoring purposes. Blood biomarkers like fibrinogen and CRP have been utilized as markers for inflammation, whereas serum procalcitonin has been used for etiological diagnosis for reasons of exacerbation episodes. Lung function markers like CC-16 and markers for worsening emphysema like reduced levels of sRAGE have been discussed as few upcoming biomarkers in COPD patients. Imaging modalities have been used as monitoring tool for disease severity, and assessment of airway thickness in CT scan predicts chances of worsening and decreasing FEV1 volumes. Sputum biomarkers like neutrophilia and leukotriene B4 have been of importance in assessment of airway inflammation. More invasive techniques involving molecular changes in lung tissue have been possible to study with invasive techniques like bronchoscopy and biopsy specimens. Future research looks promising, and acquiring the knowledge of use of biomarkers has become quintessential for medical professionals dealing with pulmonary diseases.

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Abbreviations

BNP:

Brain natriuretic peptide

CRP:

C-reactive peptide

EBC:

Exhaled breath condensate

HPN:

Human neutrophil peptides

hS-CRP:

High sensitive CRP

SP-D:

Surfactant protein D

sRAGE:

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation products

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Correspondence to Kartik Munta MD, IDCCM, EDIC .

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Munta, K., Nadikuda, S. (2022). Biomarkers in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Emergency Medicine and the Intensive Care Unit: A Review. In: Rajendram, R., Preedy, V.R., Patel, V.B. (eds) Biomarkers in Trauma, Injury and Critical Care. Biomarkers in Disease: Methods, Discoveries and Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87302-8_73-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87302-8_73-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-87302-8

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