Frailty, Physical Function Impairment and Pulmonary Function in Aging Men with and without HIV from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS)

Abstract Background People aging with HIV (PAWH) experience greater impairment in physical and pulmonary function than individuals aging without HIV. We examined whether baseline physical function was associated with subsequent pulmonary impairments. Methods Associations of frailty and physical function (gait speed [m/sec], grip strength [kg]) with pulmonary function (< 80% predicted diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide [DLCO] and forced expiratory volume [FEV1]) 3 years later were modeled; age, HIV status, and smoking were assessed as effect modifiers. Results Among1,024 men, (54% PAWH, 10% frail, 51% pre-frail), mean (SD) age = 53 (12) years, cumulative smoking = 12 (19) pack-years, gait speed = 1.1 (0.2) m/sec, and grip strength = 36.6 (9.2) kg. Frailty, pre-frailty, and weak grip strength were associated with higher odds of subsequent impaired DLCO and FEV1. Slow gait speed was associated with higher odds of DLCO impairment but not FEV1. No statistically significant modifications were found. Conclusion Interventions to improve physical function may help preserve pulmonary function.