Impact of dynapenia, presarcopenia and sarcopenia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective cohort study.
Journal
BMJ open respiratory research
Journal Volume
12
Journal Issue
1
Start Page
Article number e002667
ISSN
2052-4439
Date Issued
2025-12-14
Author(s)
Abstract
Background Reduced muscle strength and decreased muscle mass (sarcopenia) are known predictors of poor prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Isolated muscle weakness (dynapenia) or low muscle mass alone (presarcopenia) may also negatively impact outcomes. This study aims to compare the prognostic significance of dynapenia, presarcopenia and sarcopenia. Methods This prospective study enrolled patients with spirometry-confirmed COPD at a tertiary medical centre. Participants were categorised into dynapenia, presarcopenia and sarcopenia based on the presence of reduced handgrip strength (<28kg for men, <18kg for women) and/or decreased muscle mass (<7.0kg/m2 for men, <5.7kg/m2 for women). Physical performance was assessed using a 6min walk test and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Results A total of 494 patients were enrolled, comprising 211, 59, 111 and 113 patients in the control, presarcopenia, dynapenia and sarcopenia groups, respectively. Both dynapenia and sarcopenia groups had shorter 6min walk distances and more SPPB score ≤9 than the control group (348.7m and 304.4m vs 420m, p<0.001; 30% and 44% vs 11%, p=0.036). Patients with presarcopenia and sarcopenia were prone to severe exercise-induced desaturation than the dynapenia and control group (26% and 30% vs 9% and 18%, p=0.001). The 2-year mortality was similar in the control, presarcopenia and dynapenia groups but considerably less than that in the sarcopenia group (6.2% vs 10.2% vs. 9.0% vs. 25.7%, p<0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only sarcopenia was associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR: 4.93, 95%CI 2.56 to 9.50, p<0.001; HR: 2.07, 95%CI 1.02 to 4.21, p<0.05). Conclusions Aside from sarcopenia, both presarcopenia and dynapenia are not associated with an increased risk of mortality in COPD. However, patients with dynapenia experience significant functional deterioration, while those with presarcopenia present with more severe exercise-induced desaturation. Identifying each phenotype is crucial for the holistic management of COPD.
Subjects
COPD Exacerbations
Type
journal article