Body composition alterations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Metabolic disorders are involved in the pathogenesis of some co morbid conditions such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, which frequently occur in COPD patient. These disorders may also associate alterations in body composition.

To determine the particularities of body composition, assessing its relationship with respiratory function and clinical status in COPD patients.

A prospective case-control study including 31 patients with COPD admitted to the Clinic of Pulmonary Diseases lasi from April 2011 to September 2012, and 29 subjects without lung diseases which served as controls. Body composition (body fat, lean body mass, body water) and basal metabolic rate were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Other assessments included anthropometric parameters, spirometry, 6-minute walk test. In COPD patients, dyspnea scale and health impairment assessment by St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were used.

In COPD group, 67% of the patients were normal weight, 10% underweight, 10% overweight and 13% obese. The results showed that lean body mass (p < 0.001), dry lean mass (p < 0.001), total body water (p < 0.001) and basal metabolic rate (p < 0.001) were lower in the COPD patients as compared to the controls. These findings significantly correlate with age, dyspnea, severity of airway obstruction and exercise capacity in patients with COPD. No significant differences between study groups were observed in body fat mass.

Lean body mass, dry lean mass, and total body water are altered in COPD patients and significantly correlate with age, clinical and functional severity of COPD.