Abstract
Decreased peripheral muscle strength has been shown in COPD patients; however a simple measure to evaluate this systemic manifestation is missing. The aim of this study was to compare the handgrip strength (HGS)between both genders and between patients with mild/moderate and severe/very severe COPD. Predictors of HGS were also evaluated. 25 mild/moderate COPD patients (68% male, age= 65±8 years, FEV1= 73±15%) and 25 severe/very severe COPD patients (56% male, age= 69±9 years, FEV1= 40±18%) were evaluated. Handgrip strength, pulse oximetry (SpO2), body mass index (BMI), six-minute walk distance (6MWD), Medical Research Council (MRC), Charlson comorbidity index and blood counts were obtained. Handgrip strength was significantly higher in mild/moderate COPD when compared to severe/very severe COPD (37±11kgf versus 31±10kgf; p=0.04), and was significantly higher in males when compared to women with COPD (39±10kgf versus 25±4kgf; p<0.001). BMI, MRC and comorbidities were similar between patients with different disease severity and gender. SpO2 (94±2% versus 91±4%; p=0.003) and 6MWD (452±107m versus 344±95m; p<0.001) was significantly higher in mild/moderate COPD when compared to severe/very severe. Age, male gender, C-reactive protein, BODE index and enlarged left atrium were included in a multiple linear regression analysis with the HGS as the dependent variable. Male gender showed positive association (R2=0.54; p<0.001) and the BODE index showed negative association with HGS (R2=0.54; p=0.04). In conclusion, HGS is associated with COPD severity and the influence of gender must be considered.The measure could be tested as a screening tool to evaluate peripheral muscle dysfunction in COPD patients.
FAPESP (2010/10312-1)
- © 2011 ERS