The Cardiovascular
ToolsCalculators

BODE Index for COPD Survival

Multidimensional prognosis in COPD from BMI, obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise.

BODE Index for COPD Survival
FEV1 (% predicted, post-bronchodilator)
6-minute walk distance
mMRC dyspnoea scale
Body mass index
Result0 points

Quartile 1; approximate 4-year survival ~80 %.

Quartile
1
Approx. 4-year survival
~80 %

When to use

  • Estimating mortality risk and staging severity in stable COPD beyond FEV1 alone.

Formula

Sum of points for FEV1 % predicted (0–3), 6-minute walk distance (0–3), mMRC dyspnoea (0–3) and BMI ≤ 21 (0–1). Range 0–10; higher predicts worse survival.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • Validated in stable disease, not during exacerbations.
  • The exercise and dyspnoea components carry prognostic weight independent of spirometry.

References

  1. Celli BR, et al. N Engl J Med. 2004;350(10):1005-12.