Energy and nutrient intake in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospitalized owing to an acute exacerbation

Abstract

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prone to frequent exacerbations, an important cause of hospital admission. A poor dietary intake during these periods has been suggested as a contributory factor to the development of malnutrition, which is common in COPD. Objective: To assess dietary intake and nutritional status in hospitalized COPD patients. Design: Dietary intake and anthropometric measures [e.g. body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) based on skinfold measurements] were examined in patients with COPD (n = 30) admitted to a pulmonary department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, owing to an acute exacerbation. Results: Seventeen of the patients had a BMI <22 kg m-2, and 53% of the women and 76% of the men had a FFMI lower than suggested reference values. The patients who received an enriched diet or took nutritional supplements had a significantly (p <0.01) higher mean (SD) energy intake/resting energy expenditure compared with patients on an ordinary hospital diet, 1.40 (0.37) and 1.09 (0.16), respectively. Mean intake of protein was also higher in the patients on an enriched diet/nutritional supplements (p <0.01). Patients taking complete nutritional supplements had a higher intake of several micronutrients. Conclusion: Enrichment of the diet and nutritional supplements may help to combat the low intake of energy and protein found in COPD patients hospitalized owing to an exacerbation. © 2005 Taylor & Francis.