Assessing nutrition risk and malnutrition rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Nutrition screening is crucial in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients with COPD at different severity levels.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 52 patients with COPD aged 50-80 years. COPD severity was classified according to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. Nutritional status was assessed using a two-step approach: initial screening with the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), followed by malnutrition diagnosis in at-risk individuals according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Body composition was assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method.

Results: The MNA-SF identified 23.1% of patients as at risk, whereas GLIM diagnosed malnutrition in 13.5%. Compared to the well-nourished group, malnourished patients had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (21.4 ± 3.7 vs 26.8 ± 3.2 kg/m²; P < 0.05) and skeletal muscle mass (22.3 ± 3.3 vs 27.7 ± 3.2 kg; P < 0.05). Patients with severe COPD had lower BMI and fat-free mass index (FFMI) than those with moderate COPD (P < 0.05). Malnutrition was associated with prolonged hospital stays (7.7 ± 5.7 vs 5.8 ± 3.2 days; P < 0.05) and lower FEV₁ values (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: The MNA-SF does not consider disease-specific factors, whereas GLIM, despite incorporating muscle mass evaluation, is influenced by COPD-related complications. A comprehensive approach that accounts for COPD-related physiological changes is needed for accurate malnutrition assessment.