The BODE index combines body mass, airflow obstruction, breathlessness, and exercise capacity into a single score that predicts survival in COPD better than any one measure alone.
Lowest quartile — best survival.
Intermediate risk.
Higher risk.
Highest quartile — worst prognosis.
COPD affects more than just airflow. Combining nutritional status, symptoms, and functional capacity captures a fuller picture of how the disease affects a person's overall health and survival.
Body mass index, airflow Obstruction (FEV1 % predicted), Dyspnea (mMRC scale), and Exercise capacity (6-minute walk distance).
Higher scores (up to 10) correlate with worse survival. The lowest quartile has the best prognosis; the highest has markedly reduced survival.
CAT is purely symptom and quality-of-life focused and patient-reported. BODE combines objective measurements with a symptom scale, making it more of a prognostic tool.