BACKGROUND. Nutritional issues and sarcopenia are known contributors of mortality and morbidity in cystic fibrosis (CF). Whether and how sarcopenia afflicts non-CF bronchiectasis patients has never been investigated.

AIM. To assess incidence and impact of sarcopenia in non-CF bronchiectasis patients.

METHODS. In a group of 48 patients with non-CF bronchiectasis, we evaluated clinical, functional and laboratory data. Sarcopenia was assessed by measuring in chest computed tomography (CT) the mean muscular density of the bilateral paravertebral muscles (T12 level); a threshold value of 30 Hounsfield Units was identified (as previously reported).

RESULTS. Sarcopenia affected 32 of 48 (67%) patients. Sarcopenic subjects were older than non sarcopenic (67±11vs52±16;p=0.004); body mass index was not different between the two groups. Sarcopenic patients had lower lung volumes (TLC 83±19vs95±16%; p=0.038). Sarcopenic have higher frequency of non tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)(p=0.05). Muscular density was negatively correlated with Bronchiectasis Severity Index (r= -0.35;p=0.037) and Bronchiectasis Aetiology Comorbidity Index (r= -0.45;p=0.012). Sarcopenia was not related to gender, other clinical outcomes, radiological extension of bronchiectasis or laboratory data.

CONCLUSIONS. Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in patients with bronchiectasis. Sarcopenic patients have higher disease severity, restrictive ventilatory defect and more comorbidities. Recognition and prevention of sarcopenia cpuld improve management of patients with bronchiectasis, especially those with NTM. Muscular density of paravertebral muscles in CT scan is easily available, and further studies may clarify the role of sarcopenia in multidimensional evaluation of patients.