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Association of Fat-free Mass Index and Body Mass Index on Pulmonary Function Tests in Children with Rheumatological

Aslı İmran Yılmaz1, Sevgi Pekcan2, Tuğba Şişmanlar Eyüboğlu3

  • 1Konya City Hospital, Pediatric Pulmonology, 237, Turkey, Konya.

Klinische Padiatrie
|May 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric body composition, specifically fat-free mass index, is linked to lung function in children with rheumatological diseases and interstitial lung disease. Lower fat-free mass index correlates with poorer carbon monoxide diffusion capacity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Pulmonology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Rheumatological diseases can lead to interstitial lung damage.
  • Pediatric patients with rheumatological conditions are at risk for interstitial lung disease (ILD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between pediatric body composition parameters and interstitial lung disease in patients with rheumatological conditions.
  • To explore the relationship between nutritional status and lung function in this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 26 patients (aged 8-18 years) with rheumatological diseases and chronic respiratory symptoms.
  • Interstitial lung disease assessment included spirometry, CT scans, and carbon monoxide diffusion tests.
  • Body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis, body mass index (BMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI).

Main Results:

  • A positive correlation was observed between carbon monoxide diffusion test z-scores and fat-free mass index (r=0.589, p=0.002).
  • Patients with lower fat-free mass index exhibited significantly reduced carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (z-score < -1.64).
  • Body composition analysis revealed distinct groups based on BMI and FFMI, with implications for lung function.

Conclusions:

  • Nutritional status, particularly fat-free mass index, is associated with pulmonary function test results in children with rheumatological diseases and ILD.
  • Maintaining adequate fat-free mass may be crucial for preserving lung function in pediatric patients with rheumatological conditions and ILD.
Abstract

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