LB023 - BREAKING THE COPD MALNUTRITION CYCLE: 47% REDUCTION IN EXACERBATIONS THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY

LB023

BREAKING THE COPD MALNUTRITION CYCLE: 47% REDUCTION IN EXACERBATIONS THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY

A. A. Alfehaidi^1,*

¹HMC, Doha , Qatar

 

Rationale: COPD is a major global health issue, and malnutrition affects 20–60% of patients, worsening muscle strength, immunity, exacerbations, and mortality. This project examined how structured medical nutrition therapy improves nutritional status, respiratory function, and key clinical outcomes in COPD patients.

Methods: A 16‑week cohort study followed 95 malnourished or at‑risk COPD patients (mean age 67.4 years, FEV₁ <60%) who received intensive nutrition therapy—high‑protein, high‑calorie plans, oral supplements, and targeted nutrition education—alongside pulmonary rehabilitation. Outcomes assessed included BMI, fat‑free mass index, respiratory muscle strength, 6‑minute walk distance, exacerbation rates, and quality of life.

 

Results: The 16‑week intervention improved all outcomes: BMI rose by 1.8 kg/m², fat‑free mass by 1.2 kg/m², and inspiratory strength by 18%. Functional capacity increased by 45 meters on the 6‑minute walk test. Exacerbations decreased by 47%, quality‑of‑life scores improved by 35%, and hospital readmissions fell by 41%.

 

 

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Conclusion: Comprehensive medical nutrition therapy significantly improved nutritional status, respiratory function, and clinical outcomes in COPD patients. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating specialized nutrition care into routine COPD management to enhance outcomes and reduce healthcare use.

 

 

References: 1- Keogh E, Williams EM. Managing malnutrition in COPD: A review. Respiratory Medicine. 2021.

2- Bernardes S, et al. Increased energy and/or protein intake improves anthropometry and muscle strength in COPD patients:A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition. 2022.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared