Multi-level differential network analysis of COPD exacerbations

What is it about?

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often present episodes of exacerbation of their symptoms (ECOPD). In this study we used for the first time a novel research strategy based on the use of network analysis of various types of clinically relevant data to investigate the changes that occur during ECOPD. This strategy revealed that: 1) during ECOPD, these variables are much more weakly related that during convalescence; and, 2) the combination of increased dyspnea, leukocytosis and high C-reactive protein levels can be of help for the objective diagnosis of these episodes of ECOPD.

Featured Image