Respiratory function, autonomic dysfunction, and systemic inflammation are closely linked in patients with COPD and tidal flow limitation: An exploratory study

• In stable COPD there is an ANS activity imbalance, with cardiac sympathetic predominance. It related to airflow obstruction severity, the onset of pulmonary hyperinflation, and emphysematous disease’s prevalence. A relationship between autonomic dysfunction systemic inflammation has been observed. Autonomic low-grade are associated resting tidal expiratory flow limitation. The study aimed investigate interplay among respiratory function, dysfunction, in patients. 19 patients, functional parameters, heart rate variability (HRV), plasma high-sensitivity-C-reactive-protein (hs-CRP) were assessed. Forced oscillation technique (FOT) was used detect absence (NFL) or presence (FL) Subsequently, patients underwent incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT). Twenty healthy subjects also shown as controls. FEV 1 , DL CO lung volumes displayed significant correlations LH/FH ratio (0.56 < r 2 <0.27,p 0.01). found IC/TLC ratio% (r = 0.29,p 0.05) hs-CRP 0.26,p 0.05). Patients FL had greater levels (p 0.05), lower IC/TLC% higher (p<0.001). Worse a LH/HF ratio, directly related, indices dynamic hyperinflation. hyperinflation strong driver dysfunction.