Composition corporelle des patients atteints de BPCO et son impact sur la fonction respiratoire

INTRODUCTION: Despite fat-free mass index (FFMI) is one of the strongest predictive factors of survival during chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is a considerable lack of information regarding body composition in Tunisian patients with COPD. Aim: Describe the body composition of Tunisian patients followed for COPD and examine the relationship between body composition and the severity of the disease. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients with stable COPD. Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) included spirometry with plethysmography and the six-minute walking test. The severity of dyspnea was assessed by the mMRC scale. RESULTS: During the study period, 104 patients with stable COPD were included (average age= 65.9 years and average FEV1= 49.3%). Fifty-four percent of patients were GOLD D stage. According to the IMM, malnutrition was identified in 20.2% of cases. Patients with low FFMI were the most symptomatic, had a more severe air flow limitation and a more severe disease. The walking distance was lower in malnourished patients. However, FFMI was not significantly associated with exercise capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in COPD patients and is correlated to the severity of the disease. Thus, body composition analysis should be considered in COPD patient management.