Body Composition of Filipino Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients in Relation to Their Lung Function, Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life

Background and objectives: The loss of muscle or fat free mass (FFM) as a result of systemic inflammation and poor nutrition in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), is recognized as an important factor that influences symptoms and disease-related outcomes. To date, there are no data on body composition among Filipino COPD patients and how it impacts COPD disease severity. This paper examined the relationship of Fat Free Mass Index (FFMI = FFM/height) and sarcopenia with COPD disease severity variables. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytic study comparing low and normal FFMI, sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic COPD patients, in terms of lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life score. Filipino COPD patients older than 40 years were included. Patients performed six minute walking distance (6MWD), handgrip strength (HGS), and quality of life status evaluation using Filipino version of COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: A total of 41 patients were included. The mean age was 69.22 years. The prevalence of being underweight and having sarcopenia was 32% and 46%, respectively. Point biserial correlation showed that COPD patients with low FFMI had a statistically significant reduction in peak inspiratory flow (r = -0.5791, P value 0.0002), peak expiratory flow (r = -0.4475, P value 0.0055), and handgrip strength (r = -0.4560, P value 0.0027); and lower CAT score (r = -0.3422, P value 0.0285). Similar findings were observed among sarcopenic COPD patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of being underweight and having sarcopenia was high. Low FFMI results in reduction of lung function and upper limb muscle strength among Filipino COPD patients.