Evidence of nutritional abnormalities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Rationale Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of global morbidity and mortality, with increased economic and social burden. One of the most evident systemic effects of COPD is nutritional abnormalities and muscle bulk reduction, leading to muscle dysfunction and wasting, with or without muscle atrophy. Aims This work aims to detect the prevalence of nutritional abnormalities in correlation to smoking status and COPD severity. Design This was a case–control study. Patients and methods The present study included 300 candidates functionally diagnosed of having COPD according GOLD 2017. All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, BMI and free fat mass index (FFMI) assessment, spirometry before and after bronchodilator testing, and questionnaires, such as COPD Assessment Test, Clinical COPD Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results The study included 300 patients with COPD who are current smokers. Overall, 98% of them were males, and all were older than 40 years. Patients were classified into three groups: mild, moderate, and severe. The study found a statistically significant negative correlation between FFMI and COPD severity, whereas nonsignificant correlation with BMI. A strong statistically significant negative correlation was found between BMI and FFMI with smoking status. A positive correlation was seen between modified Medical Research Council scale with BMI and FFMI, but this was of nonstatistical significance. Correlation of BMI and FFMI with COPD Assessment Test score, Clinical COPD Questionnaire three domains (functional, symptoms, and mental), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (depression and anxiety) was found to have a strong positive significant correlation. Conclusion Nutritional abnormalities related to COPD and smoking should be considered while managing patients with COPD.