The association of dietary intake and supplementation of specific polyunsaturated fatty acids with inflammation and functional capacity outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : a systematic review protocol

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is currently ranked the fifth leading cause of global disability (health loss).1 The BOLD (Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease) study estimates that the prevalence of COPD, defined according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria as stage 2 or higher, was 7.5% among Australian people aged 40 years or older in 2006-10.2 The prevalence of COPD was highest among people aged 75 years or older.2 A recent report by Access Economics estimates that COPD cost the Australian economy about $98 billion in 2008.3 Since Australia's population is ageing, the projected rise in the health burden of COPD will undoubtedly cause significant stress on the national healthcare system. Effective treatments to slow the progression of COPD and/or prevent exacerbations will likely result in significant health and economic benefits.