The relationship between systemic inflammatory biomarkers, lung function and exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The aim of this thesis was to evaluate CRP, leukocytes and exercise capacity in determining current FEV₁, in order to identify appropriate potential determinants for use in developing a predictive diagnostic model for people at risk of developing COPD. As much of the literature on systemic inflammatory biomarkers relates to the more advanced stages of COPD, assessing these levels across mild to severe COPD will establish whether systemic inflammation is lower for milder stages of the disease. This may provide new information about the value of using a combination of these assessments as an indicator of people at risk of developing COPD.