ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease, with major respiratory and systemic expressions. Obesity is defined as a BMI>30 kg/ m2 and its prevalence has doubled in recent decades. The possible relationship of obesity to COPD, and its influence on respiratory pathophysiology, is considered a mystery. Studies show obesity to be a survival advantage among COPD patients, unlike in the general population, in which obesity correlates to decreased life expectancy. This study aims to assess the differences between obese and non-obese COPD patients. The main clinical aspect assessed is the number of COPDexacerbation related hospital admissions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 323 COPD patients (95 obese, 228 non-obese), who had been followed from 2003-2010 by the Pulmonology Institute at the Soroka Medical Center. We collected demographics, medical history, BMI, lung function tests, information about hospital admissions and mortality. RESULTS: Non-obese COPD patients are 1.6 times more likely to be hospitalized due to COPD exacerbation. Additionally, women are 1.8 times more likely to be hospitalized due to COPD exacerbation. The FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratios, which were measured latest during the study period, were higher among obese COPD patients. There was no significant difference in mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and male gender act as protective factors against COPD exacerbations requiring hospitalization. Lung function test values are higher among obese patients. Despite this, obesity has no influence on COPD patient survival. Subsequent studies are required, in order to define nutrition recommendations and target weights for COPD patients.
