Abstract | AIM: METHODS: Thirty-two patients (25 males) (FEV1/FVC < 40% predicted), age 75 +/- 7 years, were randomised (n = 16 in both groups) to receive 4 gr/bid EAAs or placebo according to a double-blind design. When entered the study (T0), after four (T4), and after twelve (T12) weeks of treatments, body weight, fat free-mass (FFM), plasma lactate concentration (micromol/l), arterial PaCO2 and PaO2, physical activity (n degree steps/day), cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination; MMSE), health status (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire; SGRQ) were measured. RESULTS: EAAs supplemented, but not patients assuming placebo, progressively improved all baseline variables overtime. In particular, at T12 of EAAs supplementation, body weight (BW) increased by 6 Kg (p = 0.002), FFM by 3.6 Kg (p = 0.05), plasma lactate decreased from 1.6 micromol/l to 1.3 micromol/l (p = 0.023), PaO2 increased by 4.6 mmHg (p = 0.01), physical activity increased by 80% (p = 0.01). Moreover, the score for cognitive dysfunction improved from 19.1 scores to 20.8 (p = 0.011), while the SRGQ score also improved from 723 to 69.6 even though this trend did not reach the statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS. A three-month EAAs supplementation may have comprehensive effects on nutritional status; muscle energy metabolism; blood oxygen tension, physical autonomy; cognitive function, and perception of health status in patients with severe COPD and secondary sarcopenia.
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Authors | R W Dal Negro, R Aquilani, S Bertacco, F Boschi, C Micheletto, S Tognella |
Journal | Monaldi archives for chest disease = Archivio Monaldi per le malattie del torace
(Monaldi Arch Chest Dis)
Vol. 73
Issue 1
Pg. 25-33
(Mar 2010)
ISSN: 1122-0643 [Print] Italy |
PMID | 20499791
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Amino Acids, Essential
(therapeutic use)
- Dietary Supplements
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
(complications)
- Quality of Life
- Respiratory Function Tests
- Sarcopenia
(drug therapy, etiology, physiopathology)
- Weight Gain
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