Abstract
BackgroundElderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually have a compromised nutritional status which is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. To know the Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and the substrate oxidation measurement is essential to prevent these complications. This study aimed to compare the REE, respiratory quotient (RQ) and body composition between patients with and without COPD.MethodsThis case–control study assessed 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The group of subjects without COPD (control group) consisted of 20 elderly patients attending a university gym, patients of a private service and a public healthy care. Consumption of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) was determined by indirect calorimetry and used for calculating the resting energy expenditure and respiratory quotient. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were also measured. Percentage of body fat (%BF), lean mass (kg) and muscle mass (kg) were determined by bioimpedance. The fat free mass index (FFMI) and muscle mass index (MMI) were then calculated.ResultsThe COPD group had lower BMI than control (p = 0.02). However, WC, % BF, FFMI and MM-I did not differ between the groups. The COPD group had greater RQ (p = 0.01), REE (p = 0.009) and carbohydrate oxidation (p = 0.002).ConclusionsElderly patients with COPD had higher REE, RQ and carbohydrate oxidation than controls.
Highlights
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an obstructed or chronically limited airflow which progresses slowly and irreversibly
It is essential to determine resting energy expenditure (REE) to prevent a negative caloric balance and malnutrition, since Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) is the main component of total energy expenditure (TEE) [7] and is vital for adequate food intake [8]
Changes in energy metabolism stemming from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be detected by indirect calorimetry, which measures oxygen consumption (O2) and elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2), determining REE and respiratory quotient (RQ)
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by an obstructed or chronically limited airflow which progresses slowly and irreversibly. Patients with COPD usually have a compromised nutritional status which is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality [2,3]. No study assessed carbohydrate and fat oxidation separately in this group of patients (with COPD), and this is essential for understanding the energy metabolism of these individuals. An appropriate nutritional strategy for treating malnutrition in patients with COPD has not yet been established because, despite extensive studies on their energy metabolism, not much data is available on their oxidative capacity [10]. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually have a compromised nutritional status which is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. To know the Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and the substrate oxidation measurement is essential to prevent these complications. This study aimed to compare the REE, respiratory quotient (RQ) and body composition between patients with and without COPD
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