Risk of Sarcopenia Identified by Sarc-Calf, Nutritional Status and Hand Grip Strength in Patients with Hematological Cancer

Lorraine Pires Avancini ¹, Laís Freitas da Costa ², Mariana de Souza Vieira ¹

⁰Department of Integrated Health Education, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil.

International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research +

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June 13, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The SARC-CalF tool identified a significant risk of sarcopenia in 39.2% of hematological cancer patients. Reduced Hand Grip Strength (HGS) was strongly associated with this sarcopenia risk, highlighting its importance in this vulnerable population.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Geriatrics
Nutritional Science

Background

Hematological cancer patients often experience sarcopenia, impacting their nutritional and functional status.
The SARC-CalF screening tool has demonstrated efficacy in assessing sarcopenia risk within this patient group.
Understanding sarcopenia risk is crucial for managing the overall health of cancer patients.

Purpose Of The Study

To identify the prevalence of sarcopenia risk using the SARC-CalF tool in hematological cancer patients.
To investigate the association between sarcopenia risk, nutritional status (PG-SGA), and muscle strength (HGSD, APMTD).
To validate the SARC-CalF tool's effectiveness in this specific oncological population.

Main Methods

A cohort of adult, outpatient hematological cancer patients was assessed.
Measurements included Hand Grip Strength of the Dominant Hand (HGSD) and Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness of the Dominant Hand (APMTD).
Nutritional status was evaluated using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), and sarcopenia risk was assessed with SARC-CalF.

Main Results

39.2% of patients screened positive for sarcopenia risk via SARC-CalF.
Significant associations were observed between SARC-CalF results and diagnosis duration, PG-SGA scores, APMTD, and HGSD.
Reduced HGSD was independently associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia after adjusting for age and sex.

Conclusions

The SARC-CalF tool effectively identifies a substantial proportion of hematological cancer patients at risk for sarcopenia.
Reduced Hand Grip Strength is a key indicator linked to sarcopenia risk in this population.
These findings underscore the need for early screening and intervention for sarcopenia in hematological cancer patients.

Keywords:

Muscle strength Nutritional risk Nutritional status Sarcopenia