Assessment of Nutritional Status in a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cohort

Dr Rahul Tyagi; Dr Rajiv Kumar Gupta; Dr Vivek Hande

Volume : VII, Issue : VII, July - 2017

Assessment of Nutritional Status in a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cohort

Dr Rahul Tyagi, Dr Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Dr Vivek Hande

Abstract :

Abstract

Background:Chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe with substantial social and economic burden. Anorexia , weight loss and easy fatigability are common in patients with severe and very severe COPD. Malnutrition affects muscle function, exercise performance and also has detrimental effect on pulmonary function.

Methods: Hospital based descriptive study was carried out to assess lung function and nutritional indicators (BMI, Mid arm circumference) in COPD patients. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 15.0

Results: 55 patients of COPD were included in the study. 44 patients were male(80%) and 11 were female (20%).23 patients (41.81%) were underweight as assessed by BMI. 32 patients (58.18%) had Mid Arm Circumference (MAC) below the cut off of 24 cm taken in our study. Percentage of patients with low BMI and MAC increased with increasing GOLD patient group.

Conclusion: Nutritional assessment is an integral part of COPD assessment. Nutritional assessment and counselling in COPD patients will go a long way in proper management of these patients.