Frailty in COPD: Clinical Impact, Diagnosis, Biomarkers, and Management Strategies
Abstract
Frailty is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by reduced physiological resilience and heightened susceptibility to external stressors, culminating in increased risks of functional decline, hospitalization, and mortality. In individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), frailty exacerbates disease burden and is closely linked to adverse outcomes, including increased exacerbation frequency, diminished quality of life, and poor prognosis. This review synthesizes current evidence on the interplay between frailty and COPD, emphasizing clinical implications, diagnostic frameworks, emerging biomarkers, and tailored management strategies. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, employing key terms such as "frailty", "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease", "COPD", "frailty assessment", "biomarkers", and "frailty management in COPD". Inclusion criteria targeted English-language studies reporting original data with a direct focus on frailty in the context of COPD. By synthesizing multidimensional assessment strategies and potential therapeutic modalities, this review supports the development of precision-based interventions to reduce frailty and improve outcomes in patients with COPD.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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