Nutritional assessment as a predictor of mortality in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Malnutrition are one of the most common comorbidities associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Phase Angle (PhA), measured through bioelectrical impedance (BIA), is a good marker of cellular mass; however, new techniques like muscular ultrasonography allow for better assessment in a minimally invasive manner. The aim of this study is to determine the prognostic value of morphofunctional techniques in predicting mortality in patients with IPF. This was a multicentre, prospective study. Clinical and nutritional assessment was conducted, including BIA, nutritional ultrasound, and handgrip strength (HGS). <bold>Results:</bold> Eighty-six patients with IPF were included. Demographic data are presented in Table 1. Significant differences were observed in BIA parameters, with a lower PhA and higher fat mass in deceased patients (4.85° vs. 4.27°, p < 0.05) and (23.2 vs. 29.0 kg, p < 0.05) respectively (Table 1). ROC analysis was performed to predict mortality at 12 months and establish cutoff points, finding a cutoff point for PhA = 4.5° (AUC of 0.722, sensitivity 72.7%, specificity 66.6%) for increased mortality and Rectus Femoris Cross-Sectional Area (RF-CSA) = 3.00 cm with an AUC value of 0.857, sensitivity of 64.41%, and specificity of 100%. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA687/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> <bold>Conclusions:</bold> RF-CSA and PhA proved to be good prognostic markers of mortality at 12 months and, therefore, could be useful screening tools to complement the nutritional assessment of patients with IPF.