Implementation of a Sarcopenia Clinic to Diagnose and Treat Skeletal Muscle Loss Due to COPD

Launched by THE CLEVELAND CLINIC · Jul 8, 2025

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).