Understanding the impact of sarcopenia on chronic pancreatitis outcomes: a U.S. population-based study

Sarcopenia, characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is increasingly recognized as a critical factor influencing clinical outcomes in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, hospitalization burden, and survival outcomes associated with sarcopenia in CP patients.

We used the National Inpatient Sample 2016-2020 to identify patients with CP and stratified them into two groups based on the presence of sarcopenia. Data were collected on patient demographics, hospital characteristics, and comorbidities. The outcomes assessed were inhospital mortality, sepsis, shock, acute kidney injury, and resource utilization. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between sarcopenia and clinical outcomes.

Of the included patients, 18.3% (165 900) had sarcopenia. Patients with sarcopenia had higher odds of inhospital mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 3.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.06-3.54, P  < 0.001], sepsis (aOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.49-1.69, P  < 0.001), acute kidney injury (aOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.42-1.51, P  < 0.001), and ICU admission (aOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 2.47-2.74, P  < 0.001). Sarcopenic patients also had longer hospital stays (+3.87 days, P  < 0.001) and increased hospitalization costs (+$40 285.15, P  < 0.001).

Sarcopenia is a strong, independent predictor of adverse clinical outcomes in CP patients, including increased mortality and healthcare costs. Early detection and management through nutritional and rehabilitative interventions should be integral components of CP care.