The Correlation between Neutrophil Percentage-to-Albumin Ratio and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-sectional Analysis Based On NHANES

Background Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) is an emerging inflammatory biomarker that is cost-effective and easily accessible. Its predictive value has been demonstrated in different clinical scenarios, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and sepsis. Despite this, the connection between NPAR and COPD is not fully understood. Therefore, we carried out a cross-sectional study to explore the relationship between NPAR and COPD. Methods This study analyzed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 2017 to 2020. Various statistical methods such as multiple logistic regression analysis, smooth curve fitting, threshold effect analysis, subgroup analysis, and interaction tests were utilized to explore the association between NPAR and COPD risk. Results The study involved 5807 participants aged 20 years and older, including 550 individuals diagnosed with COPD. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the research found a direct link between NAPR and COPD risk, viewing NAPR as both a continuous and categorical variable. The fully adjusted model revealed that higher NAPR levels were independently linked to an increased COPD risk (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.09, P = 0.007). Moreover, individuals in the highest NAPR quartile (Q4) had a 34% higher risk of COPD compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1) ( OR = 1.34 ; 95% CI: 1.01–1.77, P = 0.039). Subgroup analyses and interaction tests supported a consistent relationship between NAPR and COPD risk, with no significant interactions found. Conclusion NAPR, a newly discovered inflammatory biomarker, has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of COPD, as indicated by recent research. These findings imply that NAPR could potentially be used as a prognostic tool to evaluate the likelihood of developing COPD.