[Impact of anemia on COPD]

The frequency of anemia may be higher than expected in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Some studies have detected a prevalence of 33%, contrasting with the common idea that associates COPD with secondary polyglobulia. Among the risk factors associated with the development of anemia in these patients are advanced age, the severity of airflow obstruction and reduction in body mass index. In addition to being a frequent disorder in COPD, anemia is also a poor prognostic factor and leads to greater morbidity and mortality in this disease. Despite the possible clinical benefits of successfully treating anemia in these patients, the scientific evidence supporting the importance of its effect on the prognosis of COPD is scarce.