People with COPD can become increasingly disabled by frailty associated with muscle wasting. early opinions about this are presented in the report. It may be possible to intervene. Claims for COPD should include some element of anticipation of prolonged infirmity.
Evidence from:
MB Reid. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. October (2001) Vol. 164 #7 p1101.
Editorial on COPD and muscle wasting.
Muscle loss commonly occurs in COPD. This is partly because of the effects chronic inflammation (Am. J. Resp. Crit. Care. Med. 2001 vol. 164#8 p1414) but partly because of metabolic imbalances. But are these cause or effect? The editor favours effect, possibly due to prolonged inactivity/deterioration.
But according to Am. J. Resp. Crit. Care Med. 2001 Vol. 164#9 p 1712 muscle loss is selective, the diaphragm remains strong preferentially. This argues against a genetic cause of muscle wasting. It would also seem to argue against the distal effects of chronic inflammation.
Comment
If muscle loss were due to genetic factors, the same factors may also be responsible for COPD. At the moment it seems that muscle loss is a consequence of COPD.