Prevalance and characteristics of sarcopenia in older patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the rate and characteristics of sarcopenia in older patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Subjects and methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study on 363 stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients aged ≥ 60 years old examined and treated at the National Geriatrics Hospital and 19-8 Hospital. Study subjects were measured appendicular skeletal muscle with dual energy adsorption radiographs and diagnosed with sarcopenia based on the criteria of Asian Working Group for sarcopenia – AWGS. Results: Average age of study subjects was 70.7 ± 8.3 (years), male rate was 60.3%. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the study group was 45.2%. 74.6% of patients had a decrease in total appendicular skeletal muscle according to height (ASMI), 68.3% had a decrease in handgrip strength (HGS) and 42.7% had a decrease in walking speed. The ASMI, handgrip strength and walking speed decreased with age. Conclusion: The study highlighted a high rate of sarcopenia (45.2%) in elderly patients with stable stage COPD. The ASMI, handgrip strength and walking speed decreased with age. Therefore, it is necessary to screening and early diagnosis of sarcopenia in elderly COPD patients.