Assessing nutrition risk and malnutrition rates in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Background Nutrition screening is crucial in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients with COPD at different severity levels. Methods This cross‐sectional study included 52 patients with COPD aged 50–80 years. COPD severity was classified according to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ) using the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. Nutritional status was assessed using a two‐step approach: initial screening with the Mini Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (MNA‐SF), followed by malnutrition diagnosis in at‐risk individuals according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Body composition was assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method. Results The MNA‐SF identified 23.1% of patients as at risk, whereas GLIM diagnosed malnutrition in 13.5%. Compared to the well‐nourished group, malnourished patients had significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (21.4 ± 3.7 vs 26.8 ± 3.2 kg/m 2 ; P < 0.05) and skeletal muscle mass (22.3 ± 3.3 vs 27.7 ± 3.2 kg; P < 0.05). Patients with severe COPD had lower BMI and fat‐free mass index (FFMI) than those with moderate COPD ( P < 0.05). Malnutrition was associated with prolonged hospital stays (7.7 ± 5.7 vs 5.8 ± 3.2 days; P < 0.05) and lower FEV 1 values ( P < 0.05). Conclusions The MNA‐SF does not consider disease‐specific factors, whereas GLIM, despite incorporating muscle mass evaluation, is influenced by COPD‐related complications. A comprehensive approach that accounts for COPD‐related physiological changes is needed for accurate malnutrition assessment.