In this study, it was aimed to assess the quality of life with the SF-36 questionnaire and evaluate the relationship between this questionnaire and stage of the disease, functional and non-functional parameters and systemic inflammation markers (CRP, tumor necrosis factor-alfa, interleukin-6) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Forty stabile patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included in the study. In all the patients CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, complete blood count, arterial blood gases, pulmonary function tests, diffusion capacity and 6 minutes walking test were studied. SF-36 life quality survey and “Medical Research Council” (MRC) dyspnea scale were performed. In our study, in patients with severe and very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease the mean values of general health, energy/vitality and mental health, which were the subgroups of SF-36 life quality survey were statistically significantly lower than those of the patients with mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There was a statistically significant negative correlation among the general health, energy/vitality, social function and mental health subgroups of SF-36 life quality survey. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the energy/vitality, social function and mental health subgroups of SF-36 life quality survey and CRP level. These findings may imply that decrease in quality of life may be secondary to inflammation. However, further studies with larger patient groups and investigating not only CRP, but also the other markers such as TNF- α, IL-6 and IL-8 as the marker of inflammation are necessary about this topic.
Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, systemic inflammation, quality of life
