Energy and nutrient intake in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospitalized owing to an acute exacerbation

Abstract

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prone to frequent exacerbations, an important cause of hospital admission. A poor dietary intake during these periods has been suggested as a contributory factor to the development of malnutrition, which is common in COPD. Objective: To assess dietary intake and nutritional status in hospitalized COPD patients. Design: Dietary intake and anthropometric measures [e.g. body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) based on skinfold measurements] were examined in patients with COPD (n=30) admitted to a pulmonary department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, owing to an acute exacerbation. Results: Seventeen of the patients had a BMI