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Risk of Frailty in Elderly With COPD: A Population-Based Study
Lies Lahousse1, Gijsbertus Ziere2, Vincentius J A Verlinden3
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan, Belgium. Departments of Epidemiology.
Frailty is more common in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Frail individuals with COPD face a higher mortality risk, highlighting frailty as a key indicator for high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Frailty is a significant geriatric syndrome.
- Prevalence and mortality risk of frailty in COPD patients are largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and frailty.
- To determine the impact of frailty on mortality risk in elderly COPD patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective population-based cohort study of 2,142 participants (mean age 74.7 years).
- COPD diagnosis confirmed by spirometry.
- Frailty assessed using Fried criteria.
Main Results:
- Frailty prevalence was significantly higher in COPD patients (10.2%) compared to non-COPD individuals (3.4%).
- COPD patients had a more than twofold increased prevalence of frailty, even after adjusting for confounders (OR 2.2).
- Frailty prevalence was highest with severe airflow limitation, dyspnea, and frequent exacerbations; prefrailty was noted in mild airflow limitation. Frail COPD patients exhibited significantly worse survival.
Conclusions:
- COPD is independently associated with increased frailty prevalence in the elderly.
- Frailty, alongside COPD severity and comorbidities, identifies elderly COPD patients at high risk of mortality.
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