Sarcopenia in Chronic Lung Diseases

This study is a prospective, multi-center, and non-invasive cohort study. All participants are diagnosed with Asthma, COPD and ILD. We use SARC-Calf questionnaire, Frailty questionnaire and Grip strength as a tool for prescreen. According to the 2019 Asian Sarcopenia Consensus, participants are examined by SARC-Calf questionnaire, grip strength test and a physical performance test, including sit-stand test, short physical performance battery (SPPB), gait speed test and six-minute walk test. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are applied to all participants by to analyze body composition. Participants are further classified into no Sarcopenia group, Sarcopenia group, and severe Sarcopenia group to derive the prevalence.

Inclusion criteria

• Outpatients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or ILD (interstitial lung disease) from department of Chest medicine in Taichung Veterans General Hospital, judged by the doctor that they do not need hospitalization or emergent treatment.
• Those who meet the conditions for frailty diagnosis after assessment by the Frailty Scale
• Patients who agree to provide the ID card number to the research team for usage as a link to the National Health Insurance research database and Health bank to explore the continuity of care and the use of medical resources
• Age>=20

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who refuse to sign the consent form
• Patients who are bed ridden or unable to walk due to physical disabilities
• Patients with terminal cancer or human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• Patients with edema (pitting edema +2)