Abstract
COPD and ageing may contribute to malnutrition. AIM: we aimed at exploring whether COPD and aging determine malnutrition in different manners.
stable COPD outpatients (n=460; M/F: 376/84) from the Extrapulmonary Consequences of COPD in the Elderly (ECCE) study database were investigated (age 75.0(5.9) years; FEV1%pred 54.7(18.3)%). Nutritional status was evaluated by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. From the MNA, three scores exploring the domains of the nutritional status were calculated: body composition, energy intake and body functionality scores.
GOLD stages were negatively correlated with five MNA items exploring mobility, patient's perception of own nutrition and health status, arm and calf circumferences (lowest rs=−0.013; highest p=0.039). GOLD stages were independently correlated with body composition and body functionality scores (model R2=0.075). Age was negatively correlated with four MNA items exploring loss of appetite, fluids intake, mobility and autonomy in daily life (lowest rs=−0.013; highest p=0.030). Age was independently correlated with body functionality score (model R2=0.037).
Severe COPD and aging are independent and probably concurrent conditions leading to malnutrition. MNA questionnaire allows a valuable insight into complexity of components of nutritional status and may provide useful clues for treatment strategies.
- ERS
