Correlations between QT dispersion,NT-proBNP level and echocardiography parameters in COPD

Aim: We aimed to evaluate and show whether there are increasing cardiac arrithmias and extensions on QT dispersion (QTd) which is accepted as predictor of sudden death risk and also to show whether there is increase or not on N-Terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) which is known as it increases when there is pressure and/or volume load on ventriculars. Furthermore, to see the effect of COPD to left ventricul diastolic functionwas one of our aims as well.Material - Method: 35 patients who have COPD and 29 individuals who are taken into control are evaluated in this study. ECG, echocardiography (ECHO), spyrometer, arterial blood gas (ABG) and NT-proBNP are studied.Findings: In comparison of patient and control groups; heart rate, QTc, QTd, RR, LVEF %, E, A, E/A, Dt, IVRT values, interventricular septum diameters (IVSd, IVSs), right atrium (RA) and right ventricul (RV)?s diameters were found statistically significantly different. Significant correlation between NT-proBNP and heart rate, QTd, FEV1, FVC, PCO2, PO2, SO2, LVEF %, A, E/A, Dt, PAPmax is found in the patient?s group. There is no determination found between QTd and ABG, spyrometer in the patient?s group. While NT-proBNP is in normal level in stages 1-2 of COPD patients, it was determined that NT-proBNP was increased by %52 in stages 3-4Conclusion: In evaluation of heavy COPD patients, we think that measurement of plasma NT-proBNP might be valuable as it is an easy, useful and non-invasive measurement.