The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of nutritional depletion on indices of pulmonary function. Thirty stable malnourished patients with emphysema were studied. We measured: body weihgt, height, TSF, MAMC, PIMAX, PEMAX, FEV, FVC,RV,TLC,DLCO. All patients received a special diet of 1250 Kcal greater than their energy requirements, conteining 18%proteins, 50% carbohydrate and 32% fat. Measurements were repeated after one month. All patients increased the mean values of their body weight,TSF, MAMC and the percent of ideal body weight(P<0.001). They also increased their PIMAX and PEMAX(P<0.001). There was a significant improvement in FEV1,FVC and DLCO(P<0.001). We conclude that hyperalimentation improves the nutricional status and lung function in malnourished emphysematic patients. Including the strenght of respiratory muscles.
(EN)
University of Crete
