Sarcopenia in open heart surgery patients: A cohort study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Gerontology
• Musculoskeletal Health

Background:

• Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength, or function, is a growing concern.
• Cardiac surgery, particularly open-heart surgery (OHS), is linked to systemic inflammation, potentially exacerbating sarcopenia.
• While OHS is associated with adverse outcomes like prolonged ventilation and hospitalization, the specific impact of sarcopenia remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients undergoing OHS.
• To investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and clinical outcomes in OHS patients.
• To identify risk factors associated with sarcopenia in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving 160 patients assessed sarcopenia preoperatively and before discharge using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria.
• Sarcopenia assessment included handgrip strength, gait speed, and bioelectrical impedance analysis.
• Data collected included medical history, duration of hospitalization, and mechanical ventilation duration.

Main Results:

• Preoperative sarcopenia prevalence was 26.9%, rising to 46.41% postoperatively.
• Patients with sarcopenia had lower BMI and were older (>55 years).
• Significant risk factors for sarcopenia included a history of diabetes mellitus, low BMI, advanced age, longer hospital stays, and prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

• Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in patients following OHS.
• Sarcopenia in OHS patients is associated with a history of diabetes mellitus, longer hospital stays, and prolonged mechanical ventilation.
• These findings underscore the importance of addressing sarcopenia in cardiac surgery patients.