Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Connective Tissue Disease Associated Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Single-Centre Study...

Sarcopenia, a progressive loss of skeletal muscle strength and mass, can lead to decreased quality of life, physical disability, and mortality. Early identification of sarcopenia is crucial in limiting morbidity and mortality in connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung diseases (CTDILD) patients.

The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in CTD-ILD patients and to correlate the severity of sarcopenia with pulmonary function tests, spirometry, and 6-minute walk test (6MWT).

The study involved 32 CTD-ILD patients, documenting their demographic, clinical, and medical history, and conducting various tests, including spirometry, 6MWT, ANA, ENA, MSA profile, and HRCT thorax. Sarcopenia was evaluated using the SARC-F questionnaire, while muscle mass, strength, and physical performance were assessed using the BODYSTAT Quad scan 4000, chair stand test, and gait speed test.

Pre-sarcopenia was the most common condition, followed by sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia. MCTD-ILD and SSc-ILD were the most commonly observed types of CTD-ILD. Patients with pre-sarcopenia had the highest mean FVC, FEV1 (in litres), FVC (%) and FEV1 (%) compared to patients with sarcopenia. The mean distance walked in 6MWT was lowest in patients with severe sarcopenia and highest in patients with sarcopenia, but the difference was not statistically significant.

This study highlights a higher prevalence of sarcopenia in CTD-ILD patients, and its effects on lung function and physical performance. Early identification and intervention for sarcopenia could improve the quality of life and survival in these patients.