Relation between systemic inflammatory markers, peripheral muscle mass, and strength in limb muscles in stable COPD patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between systemic inflammatory mediators and peripheral muscle mass and strength in COPD patients. Fifty-five patients (69% male; age: 64±9 years) with mild/very severe COPD (defined as forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1] =54%±23%) were evaluated. We evaluated serum concentrations of IL-8, CRP, and TNF-α.

Resting energy expenditure and carbohydrate oxidation are higher in elderly patients with COPD: a case control study.

Background: Elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually have a compromised nutritional status which is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. To know the Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) and the substrate oxidation measurement is essential to prevent these complications. This study aimed to compare the REE, respiratory quotient (RQ) and body composition between patients with and without COPD.

Gender differences in predictors of health status in patients with COPD.

Objective: To evaluate the health status (HS) of COPD patients and to identify the main predictors of HS in these patients according to gender.

Methods: The study included 90 COPD patients (60 males and 30 females; mean age = 64 +/- 9 years) with a wide range of airway obstruction disorders (mean FEV1 = 56 +/- 19% of predicted). The men were individually matched to the women by % of predicted FEV1 (ratio: 2:1).

BODE index and GOLD staging as predictors of 1-year exacerbation risk in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: The body mass index/airflow obstruction/dyspnea/exercise capacity (BODE) index and global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) staging system are validated measures to define disease severity and to predict survival in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to investigate the influence of BODE classes (score: 0-2, 3-4, 5-7, and 7-10) and GOLD stages (I, II, III, and IV) on the moderate/severe exacerbation occurrence risk in a cohort of 120 mild/very severe stable patients with COPD.

Methods: Demographics, clinical evaluation, spirometry, peripheral oxygen saturation, body composition, 6-minute walking distance, dyspnea, and quality of life measurements were obtained at baseline.

Influence of lean body mass on cardiopulmonary repercussions during the six-minute walk test in patients with COPD.

Objective: Although lean body mass (LBM) has been associated with mortality in patients with COPD, its influence on functional limitation is not clear. The objective of this study was to analyze the cardiopulmonary variables in COPD patients with or without LBM depletion, prior to and after the six-minute walk test (6MWT).

Methods: We evaluated COPD patients, 32 with LBM depletion and 36 without.

[Relationship between body mass index and asthma severity in adults].

Objective: Elevated values of body mass index (BMI) have been associated with higher prevalence of asthma in adults. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the association between obesity and asthma severity.

Methods: Medical records of two hundred patients older than 20 years of age were evaluated retrospectively.

Systemic manifestations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is progressive and is characterized by abnormal inflammation of the lungs in response to inhalation of noxious particles or toxic gases, especially cigarette smoke. Although this infirmity primarily affects the lungs, diverse extrapulmonary manifestations have been described. The likely mechanisms involved in the local and systemic inflammation seen in this disease include an increase in the number of inflammatory cells (resulting in abnormal production of inflammatory cytokines) and an imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant capacity (leading to oxidative stress).