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Updated: Nov 1, 2025
Segmentation and Linear Measurement for Body Composition Analysis using Slice-O-Matic and Horos
Published on: March 21, 2021
Image-based assessment of sarcopenic obesity predicts mortality in major trauma
John S Oh1, Anna E Ssentongo1, Paddy Ssentongo2
1Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, PO Box 850, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
Background:
Patients with obesity are also at risk for sarcopenia, which is difficult to recognize in this population. Our study examines whether sarcopenic-obesity (SO) is independently associated with mortality in trauma.
Methods:
Using a retrospective database, we performed logistic regression analysis. . Admission CT scans were used to identify SO by calculating the visceral fat to skeletal muscle ratio >3.2.
Results:
Of 883 patients, the prevalence of SO was 38% (333). Patients with SO were more likely to be male (79% versus 43%, p < 0.001), older (mean 66.5 years versus 46.3 years, p < 0.001), and less likely to have an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 24 (43% versus 55%, p = 0.0003). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, SO was independently associated with mortality (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6-4.8, p < 0.001). Causal mediation analysis found admission hyperglycemia as a mediator for mortality.
Conclusions:
Sarcopenic obesity is an independent predictor of mortality in major trauma.
