Serum amyloid A is a biomarker of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Rationale: Much of the total disease burden and cost of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a novel candidate exacerbation biomarker identified by proteomic screening. Objectives: To assess SAA as a biomarker of AECOPD. Methods: Biomarkers were assessed (1) cross-sectionally (stable vs. AECOPD; 62 individuals) and (2) longitudinally with repeated measures (baseline vs. AECOPD vs. convalescence; 78 episodes in 37 individuals). Event severity was graded (I, ambulatory; II, hospitalized; III, respiratory failure) based on consensus guidelines. Measurements and Main Results: Presumptively newly acquired pa..