A STUDY TO ASSESS THE PREVALENCE OF SARCOPENIA AMONG SUBJECTS SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) ATTENDING OUTDOOR DEPARTMENT AT A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE OF NORTH INDIA

Sarcopenia, a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, is increasingly recognised as a major comorbidity in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Though commonly linked to ageing, sarcopenia often develops earlier in COPD due to chronic systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, physical inactivity, malnutrition, and prolonged corticosteroid use. It worsens respiratory function, limits exercise capacity, and leads to greater fatigue and physical inactivity, creating a vicious cycle of muscle degradation. These impairments result in loss of independence, social isolation, and psychological distress. Sarcopenic COPD patients consistently show poorer scores on quality-of-life. Sarcopenia increases morbidity by contributing to more frequent exacerbations, prolonged hospital stays, and higher readmission rates. The loss of both respiratory and peripheral muscle mass diminishes the ability to recover from illness, while balance impairment increases the risk of falls and fractures. Importantly, sarcopenia is an independent predictor of both all cause and COPD-specific mortality. Early identification and timely interventions such as nutritional supplementation and pulmonary rehabilitation can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.