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New Perspectives in the Association between Anthropometry and Mortality: The Role of Calf Circumference
C Ceolin1, V Acunto, C Simonato
1Chiara Ceolin, Department of Medicine (DIMED), Geriatrics Division, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy, Fax: +39 049 8211218; Phone: +39 049 8218949,
The Journal of Frailty & Aging
|April 15, 2024
Summary
Calf circumference (CC) effectively predicts mortality in older adults post-hospitalization, comparable to established measures. This simple method aids in prognostic stratification for elderly patients.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Nutrition
- Biostatistics
Background:
- Sarcopenia significantly impacts mortality in older adults.
- Assessing body composition in elderly patients presents challenges.
- Calf circumference (CC) is hypothesized as a practical predictor of mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive role of CC for mortality in older individuals.
- To assess CC's accuracy at 3, 6, and 12 months post-hospital discharge.
- To compare CC's predictive validity against other established markers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 192 patients aged >65 years (Sept 2021-Mar 2022).
- Measured physical and body composition characteristics (BMI, MNA).
- Recorded mortality data at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge; sarcopenia diagnosed per 2019 European Consensus criteria.
Main Results:
- Mortality rates were higher in sarcopenic individuals at 3 and 6 months.
- CC demonstrated comparable validity to MNA and ASMMI, outperforming BMI and albumin.
- A CC cut-off of 30.6 cm showed optimal sensitivity and specificity for predicting mortality at 3 and 6 months.
Conclusions:
- CC is a valid predictor of mortality at 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge.
- CC is an independent predictor of medium-term mortality in hospitalized older adults.
- CC offers a simple, immediate, and effective method for prognostic stratification.
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