FREQUENCY OF POLYCYTHEMIA IN CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) PATIENTS PRESENTING TO TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Polycythemia is a recognized hematological complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly in patients with chronic hypoxemia. This study aimed to determine the frequency of polycythemia among patients with COPD and assess its clinical associations. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Combined Military Hospital, Abbottabad, Pakistan, from September 2025 to April 2026. Patients of either gender, aged 40 80 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD based on post-bronchodilator spirometry were included. Spirometry was used to determine forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) % predicted and classify disease severity according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages 1-4. Results: A total of 200 patients with COPD were included, with a mean age of 49.97 ± 8.20 years. Of these, 148 (74.0%) were male and 52 (26.0%) were female. Polycythemia was identified in 36 (18.0%) patients. Mean resting oxygen saturation (SpO₂) was significantly lower in patients with polycythemia than in those without polycythemia (89.28 ± 2.53% vs. 90.38 ± 2.71%, p=0.027). Mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) was comparable between the polycythemia and non-polycythemia groups (47.36 ± 14.04 mmHg vs. 47.79 ± 14.00 mmHg, p=0.866). Mean partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) was higher in patients with polycythemia (72.94 ± 10.11 mmHg) than in those without polycythemia (68.50 ± 10.26 mmHg, p=0.019). Conclusion: Polycythemia was present in 18.0% of patients with COPD and was associated with lower resting SpO₂. Age, gender, body mass index, and smoking duration showed no significant association with polycythemia, while active smoking and lower resting oxygen saturation appeared to have greater influence on its occurrence.