Association of phase angle with sarcopenia and muscle function in patients with COPD: a case-control study

The predictive value of phase angle for sarcopenia diagnosis has been discussed for years. The present investigation was conducted to determine the association between phase angle and sarcopenia in patients with COPD. In this case-control study, 222 smoker men were divided into healthy and COPD groups. COPD was diagnosed by a pulmonologist through spirometry. Anthropometric indices, phase angle, muscle function, sarcopenia, and dietary intake were assessed. A significant inverse association was observed between phase angle and sarcopenia after adjustment for age and energy intake (OR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.18-0.52) and after adjustment for BMI (OR: 0.31, 95% CI 0.18-0.52). A significant decrease was detected in anthropometric indices and indicators of sarcopenia and muscle function in COPD cases compared to the healthy controls. Although further studies are suggested, phase angle might be considered an indicator of sarcopenia and muscle function in COPD patients.