Sarcopenia and associated factors in older adults with COPD: Results from the SABE-Bogota cohort study

Background: Sarcopenia is recognised as a clinical syndrome with multiple contributing factors. Generalised loss of muscle mass and reduced function are common in COPD but are usually studied in isolation. Aim and objective: The aim of this study is to describe the relationship between sarcopenia and COPD. Methods: We analyzed data from the SABE-Study, a cross-sectional study that included 2,000 subjects (≥60 years). COPD was determined with self report. As part of the anthropometric evaluation of the study participants, walking speed, handgrip strength, BMI and calf circumference waist were determined, measures that were used to estimate sarcopenia according de European consensus. Socio-demographic and self-report of health status were included. After bivariate models we made a multivariate regression model. Results: Of the 2000 subjects, 334 subjects had COPD (16,7%); 47% age >70 years, mean BMI 27,5, 45% with previous/actual smoking, 72% with wood smoke exposure, 28% with history of falls, 74% with depression, 22% with self perception of low nutrition. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 105 patients (5%). In the group of COPD, sarcopenia was more frequent 11,2% vs. 6,12% (p=0,004), and patients with sarcopenia and COPD had reduced hand grip, gait speed and calf circunference (p=0,001) and worse health status compared with patients without COPD (p<0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, sarcopenia remained as an independent factor, OR of 1,81 (95%CI 1,07-3,06). Conclusions: Sarcopenia affects 11% of patients with COPD and impairs functional performance and health status. Future longitudinal studies are required to examine its impact on adverse events/survival.