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Establishing Predictors of Acute Sarcopenia: A Proof-Of-Concept Study Utilising Network Analysis
Carly Welch1,2,3,4,5, Laura Bravo6, Georgios Gkoutos6
1Medical Research Council (MRC) - Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, UK.
Aging and Disease
|July 16, 2024
Summary
Acute sarcopenia risk stratification is crucial for older adults undergoing surgery or infection. Steroid use, COPD, delirium, and inflammation identify high-risk patients needing intervention.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Sarcopenia Research
- Inflammology
Background:
- Acute sarcopenia, dynamic changes in muscle loss post-stress, lacks established risk stratification.
- Older adults undergoing surgery or experiencing infections are vulnerable to rapid muscle decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors for acute sarcopenia and associated muscle quantity/quality changes in older adults.
- To stratify risk for sarcopenia development following surgical or infectious stressors.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study in patients aged ≥70 undergoing elective surgery, emergency surgery, or with infections.
- Assessed handgrip strength, muscle quantity (BATT, BIA), and quality (echogenicity) at multiple time points.
- Utilized LASSO models and analyzed serum/plasma biomarkers (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β) to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- COPD, steroid prescription, and delirium were associated with increased risk of sarcopenia and reduced muscle quality.
- Delirium negatively impacted muscle quantity (BATT).
- Baseline sarcopenia correlated with higher IL-6, and IL-1β was linked to sarcopenia development at 7 days.
Conclusions:
- Patients with COPD, delirium, steroid use, or elevated systemic inflammation are at higher risk of acute sarcopenia.
- These factors can guide risk stratification and inform targeted interventions for muscle preservation.
