Changes in Thrombelastography in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the Relationship with Lung Function

PURPOSE: To analyze the changes in thrombelastography (TEG) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and the relationship with indicators related to lung function. METHODS: 100 patients with AECOPD admitted to our hospital from May 2021 to May 2022 were selected as the AE group, and another 80 patients with a stable phase of COPD in the same period were selected as the SP group. Fresh blood specimens were collected from both groups, and TEG-related indicators (R value, K value, α-angle, MA value) were measured using the TEG technique, and lung function-related indicators (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEV1%) were measured using a lung function meter, and the correlation between TEG-related indicators and lung function-related indicators was analyzed. RESULTS: Patients in the AE group had lower R and K values and higher α-angle and MA values than those in the SP group, all with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Patients in the AE group had lower FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEV1% levels than those in the SP group, all with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the R value in TEG of AECOPD patients was positively correlated with pulmonary function-related indicators (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEV1%) (r = 0.565, 0.529, 0.447, 0.527, all P < 0.001); K value was positively correlated with pulmonary function-related indicators (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEV1%) (r = 0.512, 0.567, 0.459, 0.439, all P < 0.001); α-angle was inversely correlated with pulmonary function-related indicators (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEV1%) (r = −0.498, −0.372, −0.408, −0.424, all P < 0.001); MA value was inversely correlated with lung function-related indicators (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEV1%) (r = −0.459, −0.429, −0.394, −0.403, all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between TEG-related indicators and lung function-related indicators in AECOPD patients, both of which can guide the diagnosis and treatment process of the disease and are worthy of clinical promotion. The clinical registration number is EA2021086.