Female COPD patients admitted to ICU had higher BMI, more heart-related conditions, and higher BNP and carbon dioxide levels than males.
Higher BNPFemale COPD patients had significantly elevated brain natriuretic peptide levels compared to males
What the researchers found
Female COPD ICU patients had significantly higher rates of heart failure, obesity, and elevated BNP levels compared to males.
Why it matters
Gender differences in COPD presentation and comorbidities affect treatment strategies and outcomes in critical care settings.
The numbers in context
- 258 patients: 91 female (35%), 167 male (65%)
- Women had significantly higher BNP and D-dimer levels
- Women had higher rates of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, renal disease
- Women had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index scores
- Women had higher BMI and more morbid obesity
- Women had higher pre-discharge PaCO2 levels
How the study worked
Prospective, observational cross-sectional study of 258 COPD patients admitted to ICU with type 2 respiratory failure.
Who was studied
N=258 COPD patients admitted to ICU for hypercapnic respiratory failure: 91 female, 167 male. Turkey, 2023-2024.
What this study cannot tell us
Single-center observational study. Cross-sectional design cannot establish causation. Potential confounders not fully controlled.
How to read the evidence
Prospective observational study. Moderate evidence quality for identifying gender differences.
When this study was published
Published in 2025 with data from 2023-2024.
The bigger picture
Recognizing gender-specific COPD phenotypes can help personalize ICU treatment and identify patients at higher risk for cardiovascular complications.
Questions still open
- Should COPD management guidelines include gender-specific recommendations?
- Does the higher cardiovascular burden in female COPD patients affect long-term mortality?
Common questions
Are COPD outcomes different for men and women?
What is BNP and why does it matter?
Read the original research
Gender-Based Differences in COPD Patients with Type 2 Respiratory Failure-Impact on Clinical Practice.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 61(4)
Citation
Ozdemir, Tarkan; Yıldız, Murat; Arı, Maşide; Arı, Emrah; Eraslan Doğanay, Güler; Cırık, Mustafa Özgür; Doğancı, Melek; Özdilekcan, Çiğdem; Kızılgöz, Derya; Şipit, Yusuf Tuğrul. (2025). Gender-Based Differences in COPD Patients with Type 2 Respiratory Failure-Impact on Clinical Practice.. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 61(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61040587