Peter F. Collins

Nutritional support and functional capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Currently, there is confusion about the value of using nutritional support to treat malnutrition and improve functional outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCT) aimed to clarify the effectiveness of nutritional support in improving functional outcomes in COPD. A systematic review identified 12 RCT (n = 448) in stable COPD patients investigating the effects of nutritional support (dietary advice (1 RCT), oral nutritional supplements (10 RCT), enteral tube feeding (1 RCT)) versus control on functional outcomes. Meta‐analysis of the changes induced by intervention found that while respiratory function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, lung capacity, blood gases) was unresponsive to nutritional support, both inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory mouth pressure +3.86 standard error (SE) 1.89 cm H2O, P = 0.041; maximal expiratory mouth pressure +11.85 SE 5.54 cm H2O, P = 0.032) and handgrip strength (+1.35 SE 0.69 kg, P = 0.05) were significantly improved and associated with weight gains of ≥2 kg. Nutritional support produced significant improvements in quality of life in some trials, although meta‐analysis was not possible. It also led to improved exercise performance and enhancement of exercise rehabilitation programmes. This systematic review and meta‐analysis demonstrates that nutritional support in COPD results in significant improvements in a number of clinically relevant functional outcomes, complementing a previous review showing improvements in nutritional intake and weight.

Relationship between living alone and food and nutrient intake

The increase in the number of individuals living alone has implications for nutrition and health outcomes. The aim of this review was to investigate whether there is a difference in food and nutrient intake between adults living alone and those living with others. Eight electronic databases were searched, using terms related to living alone, nutrition, food, and socioeconomic factors. Forty-one papers met the inclusion criteria, and data of interest were extracted. Results varied but suggested that, compared with persons who do not live alone, persons who live alone have a lower diversity of food intake, a lower consumption of some core foods groups (fruits, vegetables, and fish), and a higher likelihood of having an unhealthy dietary pattern. Associations between living alone and nutrient intake were unclear. Men living alone were more often observed to be at greater risk of undesirable intakes than women. The findings of this review suggest that living alone could negatively affect some aspects of food intake and contribute to the relationship between living alone and poor health outcomes, although associations could vary among socioeconomic groups. Further research is required to help to elucidate these findings.

S163 The ‘Obesity Paradox’ in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Poor nutritional status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased mortality independently of disease-severity (Collins et al).1 Epidemiological studies have suggested a protective role of obesity against mortality in COPD (Vestbo et al)2 which is contrary to data from the general population where obesity is associated with decreased life expectancy. This relationship has been referred to as the ‘obesity paradox’ and has been demonstrated in a number of chronic wasting conditions (Kalantar-Zadeh et al).3 This study investigated the existence of the obesity paradox in outpatients with COPD by examining the effect of body mass index (BMI) on 1-year healthcare use and clinical outcome in terms of hospital admission rates, length of hospital stay, outpatient appointments and mortality. BMI was assessed in 424 outpatients with COPD, with measurements performed by specialist respiratory nurses during outpatient clinics. 1-year healthcare use was retrospectively collected from the date of BMI measurement. Abstract S163 Table 1 Patients classified as overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) or obese (>30 kg/m2) experienced significantly fewer emergency hospital admissions, as well as a reduced length of hospital stay, in comparison to normal weight (20.0–24.9 kg/m2) or underweight (<20 kg/m2) outpatients. There was a significant negative trend between BMI classification and mortality. This study supports the existence of the ‘obesity paradox’ in COPD, not only in relation to reduced 1 year mortality rates but also in terms of reduced emergency hospital admissions and reduced length of hospital stay.Abstract S163 Table 1 BMI category (kg/m2) <20 20–24.9 25−29.9 >30 (n=67) (n=144) (n=120) (n=93) p No. EM admissions per patient 1.5 (3.7) 1.2 (1.7) 0.74 (1.4) 0.71 (1.1) 0.011* EM LOS (days per patient) 6.5 (12.8) 9.6 (19.3) 5.3 (17.3) 3.6 (9.0) 0.034* No. ELEC admissions per patient 0.33 (0.75) 0.22 (0.71) 0.20 (0.67) 0.39 (0.90) 0.216* ELEC LOS (days per patient) 1.94 (7.9) 0.59 (2.6) 0.48 (3.2) 2.1 (13.0) 0.240* OPA per patient 3.4 (2.5) 4.1 (3.4) 3.4 (2.6) 3.5 (2.6) 0.163* 1-year mortality (%) 21 15 5 4 <0.001† Values are mean±SD.* ANOVA.† X2 p-trent. No, number; EM, emergency; ELEC, elective; LOs, length of stay; OPA, outpatient appointments.

S165 Deprivation is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Deprivation is linked to increased incidence in a number of chronic diseases but its relationship to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is uncertain despite suggestions that the socioeconomic gradient seen in COPD is as great, if not greater, than any other disease (Prescott and Vestbo).1 There is also a need to take into account the confounding effects of malnutrition which have been shown to be independently linked to increased mortality (Collins et al).2 The current study investigated the influence of social deprivation on 1-year survival rates in COPD outpatients, independently of malnutrition. 424 outpatients with COPD were routinely screened for malnutrition risk using the ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’; ‘MUST’ (Elia),3 between July and May 2009; 222 males and 202 females; mean age 73 (SD 9.9) years; body mass index 25.8 (SD 6.3) kg/m2. Each individuals deprivation was calculated using the index of multiple deprivation (IMD) which was established according to the geographical location of each patients address (postcode). IMD includes a number of indicators covering economic, housing and social issues (eg, health, education and employment) into a single deprivation score (Nobel et al).4 The lower the IMD score, the lower an individuals deprivation. The IMD was assigned to each outpatient at the time of screening and related to1-year mortality from the date screened. Outpatients who died within 1-year of screening were significantly more likely to reside within a deprived postcode (IMD 19.7±SD 13.1 vs 15.4±SD 10.7; p=0.023, OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.06) than those that did not die. Deprivation remained a significant independent risk factor for 1-year mortality even when adjusted for malnutrition as well as age, gender and disease severity (binary logistic regression; p=0.008, OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.07). Deprivation was not associated with disease-severity (p=0.906) or body mass index, kg/m2 (p=0.921) using ANOVA. This is the first study to show that deprivation, assessed using IMD, is associated with increased 1-year mortality in outpatients with COPD independently of malnutrition, age and disease severity. Deprivation should be considered in the targeted management of these patients.

Nutritional monitoring of patients post‐bariatric surgery: implications for smartphone applications

BACKGROUND Optimal results from bariatric surgery are contingent on patient commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes and follow-up care. The present study aimed to investigate the attitudes and use of mobile health (mHealth) smartphone applications (apps) as a potential tool for maintaining connectivity between dietitians and patients post-bariatric surgery. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was developed and distributed to a purposeful sample of bariatric dietitians and bariatric patients in Australia. The survey questions explored technology penetration (smartphone and app use), communication preferences, nutrition monitoring methods, professional relationship expectations and reasons for loss to follow-up. RESULTS Survey completion rate was 85% (n = 50/59) for dietitians and 80% (n = 39/49) for patients. Smartphone ownership was 98% and 95% for dietitians and patients, respectively. Common reasons given for losing patients to follow-up suggest that a traditional in-clinic practice setting could be a barrier for some. Most dietitians (n = 48; 91%) prefer to see patients face-to-face in their clinic, whereas patient preferences extended to e-mail and mobile messaging. Sixty-eight percent of bariatric patients were receptive to two-way communication with dietitians via an app between clinic visits. Both cohorts recognised the potential for emerging technologies to be used in practice, although there was no single routinely recommended mHealth app. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides the first insight into the use of mobile devices and apps by post-bariatric patients and the dietitians who support them. A mixture of traditional methods and smartphone technology is desirable to both dietitians and patients. The utility and effectiveness of such technologies should be confirmed in future intervention studies.

An economic analysis of the costs associated with weight status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Malnutrition in patients with COPD is a common problem which has been associated with increased healthcare utilisation. In contrast, epidemiological studies have reported that obesity in COPD is associated with better survival than both underweight and normal weight COPD patients, contributing to the concept of the ‘obesity paradox’, The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which weight status, over a wide range of body mass index (BMI), influences healthcare costs in COPD. 424 outpatients with COPD were followed up for 1 year post screening during 2008–2009. BMI and healthcare use (emergency and elective hospital admissions, length of stay, outpatient appointments) were recorded. Healthcare costs were established according to Department of Health NHS reference costs 2007 and modelled according to BMI classification at the point of screening.

Nutrition during noninvasive ventilation: clinical determinants and key practical recommendations

Malnutrition and poor nutritional intake have been identified as key issues associated with poorer clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. There is strong evidence showing nutritional support is effective in treating malnutrition in stable COPD, but there is only limited research regarding nutritional status in patients treated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV). The impact of NIV during acute exacerbations of respiratory disease on nutritional status requires further investigation.

PP122-SUN: Outstanding abstract: Nutritional support in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Randomised Trial

Rationale Nutritional support is effective in managing malnutrition in COPD (Collins et al., 2012) leading to functional improvements (Collins et al., 2013). However, comparative trials of first line interventions are lacking. This randomised trial compared the effectiveness of individualised dietary advice by a dietitian (DA) versus oral nutritional supplements (ONS). Methods A target sample of 200 stable COPD outpatients at risk of malnutrition (‘MUST’; medium + high risk) were randomised to either a 12-week intervention of ONS (ONS: ~400 kcal/d, ~40 g/d protein) or DA with supportive written advice. The primary outcome was quality of life (QoL) measured using St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire with secondary outcomes including handgrip strength, body weight and nutritional intake. Both the change from baseline and the differences between groups was analysed using SPSS version 20. Results 84 outpatients were recruited (ONS: 41 vs. DA: 43), 72 completed the intervention (ONS: 33 vs. DA: 39). Mean BMI was 18.2 SD 1.6 kg/m2, age 72.6 SD 10 years, FEV1% predicted 36 SD 15% (severe COPD). In comparison to the DA group, the ONS group experienced significantly greater improvements in protein intakes above baseline values at both week 6 (+21.0 SEM 4.3 g/d vs. +0.52 SEM 4.3 g/d; p < 0.001) and week 12 (+19.0 SEM 5.0 g/d vs. +1.0 SEM 3.6 g/d; p = 0.033;ANOVA). QoL and secondary outcomes remained stable at 12 weeks in both groups with slight improvements in the ONS group but no differences between groups. Conclusion In outpatients at risk of malnutrition with severe COPD, nutritional support involving either ONS or DA appears to maintain in tritional status, functional capacity and QoL. However, larger trials, and earlier, multi-modal nutritional interventions for an extended duration should be explored.