Implementation of a Sarcopenia Clinic to Diagnose and Treat Skeletal Muscle Loss Due to COPD
Launched by THE CLEVELAND CLINIC · Jul 8, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of July 22, 2025
Not yet recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is focused on helping people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) who also have sarcopenia, which means they have lost important muscle mass and strength. This muscle loss affects many people with COPD and can make their health worse, leading to more hospital visits and serious complications. The study aims to create a special clinic where a team of experts—a lung doctor, pharmacist, nurse, and coordinator—work together to better diagnose and treat muscle loss using proven methods. They want to see if this team-based approach can improve muscle strength and overall health compared to regular COPD care.
To join the study, participants need to be over 40 years old, have a confirmed COPD diagnosis with moderate or worse lung problems, and have recently been hospitalized due to a COPD flare-up. They also must have had a CT scan during their hospital stay showing low muscle mass. People with other serious lung diseases, certain severe health problems, or active cancer won’t be eligible. If accepted, participants will receive specialized care aimed at improving their muscle health and lung condition, and the study will track whether this leads to fewer hospital visits, better lung function, and improved quality of life.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • 1. COPD exacerbation as the primary cause for inpatient hospitalization OR secondary diagnosis of COPD exacerbation with acute respiratory failure as the primary diagnosis.
- • 2. Patients must have CT (Computed Tomography) imaging performed during their admission and evidence of low skeletal muscle mass determined by CT imaging of the pectoralis muscle
- • 3. Age \> 40 years old.
- • 4. Spirometry diagnosed COPD with FEV1/FVC ratio \<0.70 with at least moderate obstruction (FEV1; forced expiratory volume in 1 second \<80%).
- • 5. Patients must have smoked at least 10 pack years and may be current or former smokers.
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • 1. History of other comorbid lung disease (i.e. interstitial lung disease, asthma).
- • 2. Currently being evaluated or already listed for lung transplant.
- • 3. Active malignancy.
- • 4. Significant comorbid end organ failure defined as congestive heart failure (ejection fraction\<40%), end stage renal disease requiring dialysis, or cirrhosis (based on radiologic imaging).
About The Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic is a renowned nonprofit academic medical center based in Cleveland, Ohio, recognized for its commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative research and clinical excellence. As a leading sponsor of clinical trials, the Cleveland Clinic leverages its multidisciplinary expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to conduct groundbreaking studies aimed at improving patient outcomes across a wide range of medical conditions. With a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, the institution fosters collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patients to explore new treatments and therapies, contributing significantly to the global body of medical knowledge.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Amy Attaway, MD
Principal Investigator
The Cleveland Clinic
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported