Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Air During Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Air During Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Exacerbations of the disease are a hallmark of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), affecting the decline of pulmonary function, quality of life and increasing morbidity. The use of validated biomarkers could help to identify the etiology of exacerbation and to prescribe antibiotherapy when indicated.

The analysis of exhaled air allows measuring different volatile organic compounds (VOC) which reflect local or systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. The relationship between the presence of some of these compounds and the exacerbation of COPD has never been studied.

The aim of this study is to identify a cluster of VOC in COPD patients during an acute exacerbation of the disease, compared to a stable condition (3 months after discharge). Investigators also will seek for a relationship between VOC and the etiology of exacerbation (bacterial, viral, inflammatory).

Inclusion Criteria of COPD group:

• COPD stages 2 and 3 of GOLD score (30 ≤ forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) < 80% of predicted value),
• exacerbation confirmed clinically (increased dyspnea, cough or expectorations > 48 hours)

Inclusion Criteria of non COPD group:

• No smoker (<100 cigarettes/year)

Exclusion Criteria of COPD group:

• Diagnosis of COPD not confirmed.
• Instable clinical status with respiratory failure and indication of mechanical ventilation.
• Bronchodilator treatment changed
• Antibiotic treatment started in the 10 last days before admission

Exclusion Criteria of non COPD group:

• Chronic inflammatory disease
• Any respiratory disease
• Oral corticosteroid treatment during the last month