Abstract
Low fat-free mass index (FFMI) is an independent risk factor for mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) not typically measured during routine care. In the present study, we aimed to derive fat-free mass from the pectoralis muscle area (FFM(PMA)) and assess whether low FFMI(PMA) is associated with all-cause mortality in COPD cases. We used data from two independent COPD cohorts, ECLIPSE and COPDGene.Two equal sized groups of COPD cases (n=759) from the ECLIPSE study were used to derive and validate an equation to calculate the FFM(PMA) measured using bioelectrical impedance from PMA. We then applied the equation in COPD cases (n=3121) from the COPDGene cohort, and assessed survival. Low FFMI(PMA) was defined, using the Schols classification (FFMI <16 in men, FFMI <15 in women) and the fifth percentile normative values of FFMI from the UK Biobank.The final regression model included PMA, weight, sex and height, and had an adjusted R(2) of 0.92 with fat-free mass (FFM) as the outcome. In the test group, the correlation between FFM(PMA) and FFM remained high (Pearson correlation=0.97). In COPDGene, COPD cases with a low FFMI(PMA) had an increased risk of death (HR 1.6, p<0.001).We demonstrated COPD cases with a low FFMI(PMA) have an increased risk of death.