Association body mass index and spirometric lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients attending RIMS Hospital, Manipur

Abstract

Background: Weight loss is highly prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and studies have consistently shown significantly greater mortality rates in underweight and normal-weight COPD patients with than in overweight and obese COPD patients. Objective: To study association between mass index (BMI) and severity of COPD as assessed by spirometric lung function tests. Materials and Methods: 50 patients with COPD (25 women and 25 men), ages ranging from 40 to 65 years attending OPD and ward of Department of Respiratory Medicine, RIMS were included in the study. This preliminary study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, RIMS. Lung function was measured with Computerized Spirometer Helios 701 (Recorders and Medicare System, Chandigarh). Body mass index was calculated and related to recently developed reference values. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0 Independent t-tests and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used. Results: Mean body weight values were 59.66 ΁ 13.10 kg and 42.54 ΁ 2 kg, and BMI values were 21.75 ΁ 3.33 and 19.10 ΁ 1.0788 in males and females, respectively.33.3% of the patients had malnutrition and their flow parameters were found to be lower as compared to well-nourished subjects. FVC, FEV 1 and FEV 1 % predicted were all positively correlated to low BMI. Conclusions: Low BMI is prevalent in COPD patients. Inclusion of BMI in assessment of COPD severity in addition to measurement of FEV 1 is supported.