[Analysis of body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and its relation to pulmonary function in patients with pulmonary emphysema].

The purpose of this study was to investigate body composition in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and its relation to pulmonary function. Seventeen men with pulmonary emphysema who were being treated as outpatients were divided into three groups, according to ideal body weight (IBW): group A, %IBW > or = 90%; group B, 90 > %IBM > or = 80; and group C, %IBW < 80. All underwent body composition analysis by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fat mass and bone mineral content were significantly lower in groups B and C than in control subjects. Lean mass was significantly lower in group C than in control subjects. By contrast, group A did not differ significantly from control subjects. Lean mass correlated significantly with %VC, FEV1, RV/TLC, and MVV. These data suggest that lean mass is low in moderately and severely malnourished patients, that bone mineral content and fat mass are low in mildly malnourished patients, and that abnormal body composition is associated with ventilatory impairment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.