The impact of nutritional depletion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Nutritional depletion is prevalent in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These nutritional abnormalities are pronounced in patients with the "emphysematous" form of COPD on chronic corticosteroid therapy. The pathophysiologic mechanisms for the involuntary weight loss appear to be multifactorial. Clinical research has revealed that nutritional depletion in advanced COPD is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. This review will address the implications of nutritional depletion in addition to potential therapeutic options.