Sarcopenia as a Comorbidity of COPD

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease closely related to smoking. The natural progression of the disease is characterized by irreversible and gradually deteriorated obstructive dysfunction reflected by a decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) accompanied by progressive dyspnea on exertion. Sarcopenia is a well-known comorbidity and is an important clinical feature for determining survival prognosis in patients with COPD. Multiple factors such as disuse, malnutrition, systemic inflammation, and physical inactivity might be involved in the decrease and weakness of the skeletal muscles. Approaches to induce behavioral changes that will lead to increase daily physical activity are of key importance for optimal management of patients with COPD.