Association of GDF-15 with 6 minute walking test

Introduction: GDF-15 is a cytokine associated with inflammation and poor prognosis in chronic conditions. Walking less than 350 meters in 6 minute walking test is associated with poorer COPD outcomes, including survival. We hypothesised that high levels of this molecule are associated with low distance in the 6 minute walking test. Methods: 133 patients with COPD were enrolled in the study. After signing informed consent, spirometric values, serum GDF-15, distance walked in 6-min (6MWD), FFMI, and demographic characteristics were recorded. Results: Cohort characteristics were Age 68+/-7.22 years, male 64% 6MWD 425 (330-481) m, FEV1 (%) 54+/-21.7, GDF-15 1010 (824-1500) pg/mL, FFMI 18.9+/-3.1 Kg/m2. GDF-15 correlated with 6MWD (r = -0.406, p< 0.001) Lineal. Logistic regresion analysis showed that patients with high GDF-15 (more than 1500 ng/L were at a higher risk of walking less 350 m in 6MW Test OR 14.949 (CI95% 3.189-70.0, p<0.001) after adjustent by sex, age, smoking status, fat free mass index, mMRC Dyspnoea score and FEV1. Conclusions: High levels of GDF-15 are associated with low 6MWD.