Influence of Hemoglobin Concentration and Serum Electrolyte Levels on Acid-Base Balance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Clinical Correlation Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease frequently linked to systemic symptoms, such as changes in hemoglobin levels, imbalances in electrolytes, and disturbances in acid-base homeostasis.Optimizing patient management and results requires an understanding of how all of these factors are interconnected.
Objective: This study aims to assess the correlation between hemoglobin concentration, acid-base balance parameters, and serum
electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate) inpatients with COPD.
Methods: A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted on 95 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe COPD at NABL & NABH Accredited Hospital, for 6 months. Heparinized arterial blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin, serum electrolytes, and arterial blood gases. Statistical correlations using SPSS and Python, were drawn between these variables to assess their influence on acid-base status.
Result: Hemoglobin concentration (THbc), arterial blood gases, and serum electrolytes were found to be significantly correlated in patients with COPD; THbc shown a strong negative correlation with bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻; r = -0.620) and calcium (Ca²⁺; r = -0.674), as well as a moderate positive correlation with carbon dioxide (pCO₂; r = 0.494). The results also revealed a strong inverse relationship between pCO₂ and oxygen (pO₂; r = -0.781), which is consistent with the pathophysiology of COPD. Moreover, sodium (Na⁺) showed a positive correlation with bicarbonate (r = 0.702), and calcium with potassium (K⁺; r = 0.619), indicating interconnected regulation of acid-base and electrolyte balance. These correlations suggest systemic biochemical adaptations in chronic respiratory conditions.
Conclusion: Hemoglobin concentration, biochemical parameters and electrolyte levels play a vital role in the acid-base regulation in COPD patients .Continuous monitoring or assessing these parameters can help in the early detection of metabolic complications and provide therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes.