BODE index and quality of life in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease before and after lung transplantation

The BODE score is a significant predictor of HRQL in patients with severe COPD. We noted dramatic improvements in HRQL after transplantation, which appeared similar in magnitude for patients with pre-transplant BODE scores of 5 or 6 and 7 to 10, despite the difference in expected survival between these two groups. The association of the BODE score with HRQL further supports its use in identifying potential candidates for lung transplantation.