Dmitry Rozenberg, MD, PhD, FRCPC
University Health Network, University of Toronto; Toronto, ON

Session Description

Frailty represents a state of decreased physiological reserve and is prevalent in individuals with chronic lung disease.  Frailty has been shown to be an important prognostic marker of increased morbidity and mortality in this population.  In addition, individuals with frailty are less likely to complete pulmonary rehabilitation programs, but those that complete rehabilitation programs have been shown to derive significant symptomatic and functional benefits.

The current presentation will help recognize and characterize frailty in chronic lung disease populations referred to pulmonary rehabilitation.  The presentation will highlight key findings from the American Thoracic Society 2023 statement on Frailty in Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation on symptoms, physical function and clinical outcomes.  The talk will provide important considerations of ongoing and future research on frailty and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to:

  • Recognize elements of frailty in chronic lung disease and describe their association with clinical outcomes.
  • Highlight rehabilitation strategies in chronic lung disease and their effects on symptoms, physical function, and clinical outcomes.
  • Discuss ongoing and future research evaluating mechanisms underlying frailty in chronic lung disease.

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