[The Actual Sarcopenia Definition 2019]

Sarcopenia is characterized by a generalized loss of muscle function, strength and mass and is codable in Germany since 2018 in the ICD-10-GM (M62.50). For screening in primary care, it is possible to determine muscle function and strength by means of a sarcopenia questionnaire (SARC-F) as a self-filler with 5 questions of restrictions. With an increased score of 4 and higher, an examination of the musculature and a determination of the skeletal muscle mass index should be performed via dual energy X-ray absorption measurement (DXA) or bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA).If hand and/or leg strength is limited, the patient has probable sarcopenia and, according to the current revised version of the European consensus on sarcopenia, therapy can already be started and the cause clarified. A DXA or BIA examination confirms the diagnosis of sarcopenia by a lowered skeletal muscle index. A follow-up examination is recommended to differentiate between acute or chronic sarcopenia and to assess the progression of the disease. The severity of the disease is defined by additional examinations such as gait speed, timed up and go test (TUG) and/or short physical performance battery (SPPB). Patients with sarcopenia suffer from increasing immobility and disability and have an increased risk of falls, fractures and mortality. Frequently, co-morbidities should be clarified in all affected patients.