[Body composition analysis performed by bioimpedance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Body composition disorders are observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and have a significant impact the general condition and outcome in this disease.

The aim of the study was to assess body composition in relation to airway obstruction severity in patients with COPD.

The study group consisted of 143 patients (58F, 85M) in the middle age The group was divided to two groups: group A FEV1<50% predicted and group B FEV1 ≥50% predicted; both groups were compared. The following anthropometric parameters were assessed: body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio and shoulder circumference of the dominant upper limb. Body composition analysis was performed by bioimpedance (Tanita T5896, TANITA Corporation of America, Inc, Arlington Heights, USA).

The mean BMI for the whole group was 27.5±5.1 kg/m2. None of the patients was underweight, 47 (32.9%) had normal BMI, 55 (38.5%) overweight and 41 (28.6%) were obese. Patients in group A had lower BMI, FFMI and muscle mass index (MMI) than patients in group B. We found the correlation between BMI, FFMI, MMI and FEV1 in the studied group.

Our results confirm the relationship between airflow limitation and body compositions in COPD patients. We suggest that anthropometric measurements should be a part routine COPD management.