Association of Low Weight-Adjusted Muscle Mass with the Frequent Exacerbation Phenotype in COPD: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

Traditional height-adjusted muscle mass index (ASMI) may be influenced by weight loss in advanced COPD. This study compared the associations of ASMI and appendicular skeletal muscle mass-to-body mass index ratio (ASM/BMI) with the frequent exacerbation phenotype, assessed whether the ASM/BMI association differed by BMI category, and evaluated the discriminative performance of ASM/BMI. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 419 patients with COPD. Body composition was measured using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Multivariable logistic regression and subgroup interaction analyses were used to evaluate the independent associations of ASMI and ASM/BMI with the frequent exacerbation phenotype (≥ 2 moderate or ≥ 1 severe exacerbations in the preceding year).