Body mass index in patients with COPD and its impact on quality of life

Abstract

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs characterized by obstructive airflow limitation, which leads to a deterioration in the quality of life. It increases mortality and is characterized by a big number of complications. Body mass index is an important parameter for the prognosis in patients suffering from COPD. Despite the fact that most often a high body mass index leads to a deterioration in the quality of human life, in patients with COPD often the reverse pattern was observed. Aim of study. Patients with COPD were divided in two categories based on the value of the BMI and compared their quality of life, using different parameters. Methods and materials. In the study were included two categories of patients, the first – with BMI lower than 18, and the second – with BMI higher than 30. The difference in the quality of patient’s lifes was analysed, using the SGRQ (Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire), CCQ total, the rate of exacerbation, the characteristics of dyspnea, FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second), FVC (forced vital capacity), FEV1/FVC, the correlation between the BMI and GGRQ total and 6MWT (6 minute volume test). Results. In the research men and women of different ages participated. It was observed that BMI has a significant effect on the number of exacerbations. In particular, it has a correlation with grade of dyspnea and changes the results of SGRQ and CCQ. Conclusions. COPD patients require a special individual approach. First, they must be provided with accurate and timely treatment. Secondly, the prevention of COPD complications should be carried out. Thirdly, of course, careful monitoring of the BMI of such patients is important and needed, because its values directly affect the course of disease.