Nutritional Status in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease : A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Changes in nutritional status, such as weight loss and malnutrition, are a very common complication in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).These changes primarily affect the patients' quality of life and functional capacity and they are also independent prognostic indicators of both morbidity and mortality. The above information inspired us to evaluate the nutritional status in these patients by measuring daily oral intake and anthropometric measures. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the period October 2008 to April 2009. Seventy two COPD patients in the age group of 40-65 years, with an FEV (1) < 65% of predicted and an FEV (1)/FVC ratio < 70% were included in the study. All the patients were assessed for anthropometric parameters such as height, body weight (BW), Body Mass Index (BMI), Hip Circumference, waist circumference and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC). Daily dietary intakes were calculated by 24 hour recall method with the help of cups, spoons, and glasses which were standardized with commonly consumed recipes. Standardized models of chapatti, rice, fruits, and snacks items were used for accurate data. Energy and nutrient intakes were derived using the Nutritive value of Indian foods. RESULTS: The prevalence of under nutrition were (30/72) 41.6% based on body mass index (<18.5 kg/m(2)) and (46/72) 63.8% based on mid-upper arm circumference (<24 cm).More number of patients was above 60 years of age in the income grouping 3000-5000 INR/ month living with family members of more than 3 per house. The daily intake of food as compared to reference RDA is as follows energy 54.51%, carbohydrates 84.85%, protein60.52% and Fats 71.2%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of under nutrition were (30/72) 41.6% based on body mass index (<18.5 kg/m2) and (46/72) 63.8% based on mid-upper arm circumference (<24 cm). Nutritional assessment should be made mandatory in order to recognize malnutrition early and initiate timely nutritional therapy.

A study to assess nutritional profile in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

“…But the author has not taken age matched control group as it is a cross sectional study. 8 Highly statistical significant decrease in mid-thigh circumference was seen between COPD case and control group (p<0.001). There was significant negative correlation in relation to severity of disease (p=0.004 and r = -0.334).…”