Substudy : Patients With an Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Its prevalence is in progression and COPD is expected to become the fourth leading cause of death by 2030. COPD is characterized by periods of stability interspersed with acute infectious/inflammatory flare-ups, also called acute exacerbations, during which patients deteriorate, sometimes to the point of requiring immediate medical assistance. Although most patients eventually recover, repeated episodes of exacerbations may accelerate COPD progression. Exacerbations may further compromise the integrity of limb muscles by promoting further loss in muscle mass and strength. The overall objective of this substudy is to elucidate how an acute COPD exacerbation may affect limb muscles.