We aim to examine energy metabolism in patients with pulmonary MAC and clarify the causes of emaciation. We will also investigate the following: the relation between energy metabolism and degree of pulmonary MAC progression; relations among hospitalization, mortality rate, and time-course of changes in energy metabolism; and factors that affect energy metabolism.

Patients with pulmonary MAC with a lower BMI than healthy individuals also have a significantly poorer prognosis than those of normal weight. Emaciation in such patients is thought to be caused by destruction of lung structure from disease progression and an increased resting metabolic rate caused by the increased load from breathing; however, causes of emaciation and details of energy metabolism in these patients have not been studied.

Elucidating details of energy metabolism and causes of emaciation in patients with pulmonary MAC could provide the basis for improvement in nutritional status and activities of daily living through early nutrition therapy and rehabilitation. We propose to clarify the following:

Energy metabolism in patients with pulmonary MAC, including resting metabolic rate, calorie intake and consumption, and hormonal secretions.

Relation between energy metabolism and degree of pulmonary MAC progression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with pulmonary MAC.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with severe cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disease, renal failure, endocrine disease and malignant neoplasm.

Petients with pulmonary MAC