ASSESSING THE EFFICACY OF VARIOUS EVALUATION MODELS FOR MANAGING EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE IN ELDERLY ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of different evaluation models in predicting the exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among elderly athletes, with a specific focus on the role of sarcopenia and nutritional status. Methods: This study analyzed 182 elderly athletes aged 60 years and over diagnosed with COPD and sarcopenia, monitored at the Respiratory Outpatient Division of Huadong Hospital, Fudan University from August 2019 to December 2020. Patients were followed up for one year, either in person or via telephone, to record the frequency of acute exacerbations. Nutritional status was assessed, and its correlation with COPD exacerbation rates was analyzed using regression analysis focusing on the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI), and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score. Results: Of the participants, only 32 (17.6%) were well-nourished, while 73 (40.1%) exhibited signs of malnutrition. The regression analysis indicated that elderly COPD patients with sarcopenia and poor nutritional status, as reflected by higher CAT scores, lower SMI, and lower MNA scores, had a significantly increased risk of frequent acute exacerbations. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical importance of comprehensive evaluation models that include assessments of sarcopenia and nutritional status in managing COPD in elderly athletes. These models provide valuable predictive insights into the exacerbation risks of COPD, emphasizing the need for integrated management strategies that address not only pulmonary function but also nutritional support and muscle maintenance. This holistic approach can potentially mitigate the frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations, improving overall health outcomes and quality of life for elderly athletes.