Assessment of indicators of malnutrition in COPD patients

Amardeepak Toppo; Gulab Singh Yadav; Govind Singh Rajawat; Thomas Kurian; Suresh Koolwal

Volume : VIII, Issue : VI, June - 2019

Assessment of indicators of malnutrition in COPD patients

Amardeepak Toppo, Gulab Singh Yadav, Govind Singh Rajawat, Thomas Kurian, Suresh Koolwal

Abstract :

Objective – To assess serum Pre-albumin, serum Transferrin and other factors as an indicator of malnutrition in COPD patients. Method – 75 COPD cases and 25 cases in comparable control groups. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, detailed history and clinical examination was done mainly focusing on the nutritional status. Spirometry with reversibility was performed and cases were divided into three groups according to GOLD classification of COPD as moderate, severe and very severe airflow limitation. Biochemical and nutritional assessment was done mainly using serum level of albumin, total protein, transferrin and pre-albumin levels. Those with normal spirometry were included in control group. Results – Mean age of COPD cases were 57.13+ 11.14 years and that of the control group was 54.6 + 13.07 years. Overall 90.67% were males and females were 9.33% in the COPD group and in the control group, 92% were males and 8% were females. BMI of the patients with COPD was 16.92+3.32 and of the control group was 18.75 + 2.73 kg/m2. Mid arm circumference in patients with COPD was 20.79 + 3.79 centimeters and in the control group was 24.56 + 3.41 centimeters. Mid thigh circumference in the COPD cases was 33.59 + 4.69 centimeters and in the control group was 40.76 + 4.81 centimeters. Serum pre-albumin level in COPD cases was 15.56 + 3.71 mg/dl and in the control group was 24.40 + 4.57 mg/dl. Serum transferrin level in COPD cases was 90.45+12.32 and in the control group was 127.20+ 8.48. Mid arm circumference, mid thigh circumference, serum transferrin and serum pre-albumin were significantly lower with p value < 0.001. Conclusion – Serum pre-albumin, serum transferrin, mid thigh circumference and mid arm circumference are significant lower in COPD patients, and may be used to indicate malnutrition in COPD patients.