The Significance of BODE (BMI, Obstruction, Dyspnea, Exercise) Index in Patients with Mustard Lung

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) secondary to sulfur mustard exposure, known as mustard lung, is an important late pulmonary complication. The BODE (Body mass index, Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise) index has been established as a valuable tool for determining the adverse consequences of COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the BODE index in patients with mustard lung. Materials and Methods: Eighty-two consecutively stable patients with mustard lung with all levels of severity were entered this study. The following parameters were recorded in all patients: standard spirometry, pulse oximetry, health-related quality of life, the BODE index. Additionally, the severity of COPD was determined by GOLD (Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) staging. The correlation of the BODE index with pulmonary parameters was determined. Results: The mean age of the patients was 47.30±7.08 SD years. The mean BODE index was 3.16±2.25 SD. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation between the BODE index and oxygen saturation (r=-0.30, p=0.007). Also a statistically significant correlation was found between the BODE index and quality of life (r=0.80, p=0.001). The BODE index was not correlated with age of the patients and duration of disease. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the BODE index is correlated with important clinical parameters and can be used in clinical practice