Evaluation of nutritional status in COPD according to the GOLD-2015 staging system: a prospective observational study

This study aimed to assess nutritional statuses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in four categories of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2015 classification and to evaluate associations of body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index with respiratory and skeletal muscle strengths.

This prospective observational study included COPD patients (≥40 years old) who were followed-up for at least 1 year. Medical histories, smoking status, and anthropometric, spirometry, and hand grip strength measurements were recorded.

This study included 463 COPD patients. They were classified as Group A (n = 119), Group B (n = 58), Group C (n = 117), and Group D (n = 169) according to GOLD. Group D was older (p = 0.001) than other groups. No difference was found among the groups regarding sex (p = 0.163). Fat-free body mass was significantly decreased in Group D compared with Group A (p = 0.014) and BMI were lower in Groups C and D than in other groups (p = 0.001). Spirometry and hand grip strength showed a significant decreasing trend toward Group D (p < 0.001 for both).

Patients with COPD in advanced-stages had decreased BMI, fat-free body mass, hand grip strength, and respiratory and skeletal muscle functions. Nutritional status should be routinely monitored and considered an important indicator in COPD.