Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and a partially irreversible limitation of airflow. Patients with COPD are more predisposed to sarcopenia, which is defined as the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. The coexistence of these conditions results in an unfavorable clinical prognosis, with worse quality of life, increased frequency of exacerbations, and higher mortality.

To describe the clinical profile of COPD patients under outpatient care and identify the prevalence of sarcopenia in this population.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted with patients diagnosed with COPD based on spirometry showing a FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.7, treated in an outpatient pneumology service. Patients aged between 40 and 90 years of both sexes, with no history of using cardiac electronic devices, were included. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was established through the evaluation of appendicular muscle mass using bioimpedance. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to characterize the variables of interest.

The sample consisted of 65 patients, with a predominance of females (55.4%). The mean age was 67.1 ± 8.5 years. Regarding educational level, 75.4% of patients had completed most primary education. A history of exacerbation was reported by 56.9% of participants. Approximately 26.2% required hospitalization, with 16.9% having one hospitalization, 3.1% having two, and 6.2% having three hospitalizations. The majority of patients were former smokers (67.7%), while 32.3% were still active smokers. Regarding Body Mass Index (BMI), 44.6% had normal weight, 16.9% were underweight, 16.9% were overweight, and 21.5% had some degree of obesity. Hypertension was observed in 55.4% of patients, and Diabetes Mellitus in 7.7%. According to the severity of COPD, as per the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria, 32.3% had moderate obstruction, 44.6% had severe obstruction, and 3.1% had very severe obstruction. According to the GOLD classification, which combines exacerbation history and symptoms, most patients were classified as GOLD B (44.6%) or GOLD E (43.1%), while 12.3% were classified as GOLD A. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 28 patients (43.1%).

The predominant clinical profile in this sample consisted of female patients, mostly elderly, with a history of exacerbations but without the need for hospitalization. The most prevalent comorbidity was systemic arterial hypertension, with primary school education, former smokers, normal BMI, and severe COPD obstruction (GOLD B). The prevalence of sarcopenia was high, observed in 43.1% of the sample.

The early identification of sarcopenia, along with recognition of the clinical characteristics of COPD patients, can guide evidence-based clinical decisions, favoring appropriate management of these conditions. Early diagnosis of sarcopenia may be crucial for implementing therapeutic and preventive interventions, contributing to a better prognosis for this population.