Comparison of three frailty models and a sarcopenia model in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aim Frailty and sarcopenia affect the prognosis and quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it remains uncertain which model is the most suitable for evaluating vulnerability in patients with COPD. We evaluated the validity of three frailty models - the Kihon Checklist (KCL), the Japanese version of the Cardiovascular Health Study and the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures - and one sarcopenia model for older patients with COPD. Methods This cross-sectional study included 201 older (aged ≥65 years) outpatients with COPD. We used three frailty models and one sarcopenia model to identify their correlation with various indices that can evaluate the status of COPD and determine the most ideal model for evaluating vulnerability in patients with COPD. Results The highest prevalence of frailty (38%) and lowest prevalence of robustness (26%) were observed using the KCL. Although all models reflected the characteristics of COPD, the KCL yielded the strongest correlations with clinically important physical, psychological and prognostic indices. The KCL yielded statistically significant differences in almost all indices among the three intergroup comparisons (robust, pre-frailty and frailty). The KCL was superior in extracting mood disorders to the other models. Conclusion Although all investigated models were useful, the KCL was the most suitable for evaluating the frailty status and might enable interventions in patients with COPD. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 896-901.