SEPAR and SEEN Consensus Document on Nutritional Assessment and Management in Patients with COPD

Abstract

Malnutrition and sarcopenia are prevalent and often underdiagnosed in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with significant implications for morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Despite their clinical relevance, current COPD guidelines provide limited direction regarding nutritional assessment and intervention. This consensus document, developed jointly by the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) and the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN), offers evidence-based recommendations for the nutritional assessment and management of patients with COPD. A multidisciplinary panel of experts identified three key clinical issues relating to the prevalence and impact of malnutrition, appropriate assessment strategies, and the effectiveness of nutritional interventions. Systematic reviews were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and the quality of evidence was assessed using SIGN and GRADE methodologies. These recommendations aim to support clinical decision-making and promote early, structured, and individualized nutritional strategies to improve outcomes in patients with COPD.

Keywords: COPD; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; GLIM; Malnutrition; Management; Mortality; Nutritional support.