Assessment of Severity and Systemic Involvement in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by Bode Index: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: BODE index is a multidimensional grading system which is based on Body mass index, airway obstruction, Dyspnoea scale, and Exercise capacity, has been in use continuously for the evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is now been considered as a better indicator than FEV 1 for predicting mortality and severity of the disease. As stated by Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), the BODE index gives sufficient information in predicting mortality from any cause as well as respiratory causes than FEV 1 based staging system. The aim of this study was to find out whether BODE index is a valuable predictor for analyzing severity and systemic involvement in patients of COPD. Material and Methods: A total of 123 patients were enrolled into the study. 93 patients with symptoms suggestive of COPD were selected as cases and 30 patients were selected as controls. The lung function parameters were assessed by spirometry and they were categorised into mild, moderate and severe COPD cases. All patients underwent detailed clinical examination, electrocardiography, echocardiography and routine investigations with special reference to Hb%, Albumin and C reactive protein levels. Results: The findings of this study indicated that there was a notable increase in the BODE index in patients who smoked for a longer duration of time. BODE index is an important predictor of hospitalization. In this study there is a positive association between higher BODE index and longer period of hospitalization. This study findings also describes that the distance walked by patients with higher BODE scores is less when compared to cases with controls. It was also found that FEV 1 levels of BODE score in severe COPD group correlates well. Conclusion: This study concludes that BODE index is a useful tool in assessing the severity of COPD in terms of hospitalization and mortality.