Profile and risk stratification for sarcopenia in postmenopausal women

This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with sarcopenia and identify risk profiles through cluster analysis in postmenopausal women treated at specialized outpatient clinics.

A retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated data from 287 postmenopausal women. Sarcopenia was determined by handgrip and gait speed testing. Cluster analysis was applied to identify risk subgroups, and logistic regression to identify factors associated with sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia was identified in 18.50% of women. Advanced age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.16; p < 0.01), number of pregnancies (OR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00-1.29; p = 0.04), hip Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12-1.49; p < 0.01), systemic arterial hypertension (OR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.66-6.17; p < 0.01) and multiple comorbidities (OR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.19-5.09, p = 0.01) were associated with higher risk for sarcopenia. Cluster analysis revealed an increased risk profile for women who were aged over 70 years, multiparous, hypertensive, with hip FRAX greater than 3% and with major fractures greater than 6%.

Postmenopausal women with sarcopenia are more likely to have fragility fractures at 10 years, to be older, multiparous and hypertensive, and to have multiple comorbidities.