Unveiling sarcopenia in Sjögren's syndrome: A hidden comorbidity

Sarcopenia, a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, is an emerging yet under-recognized complication in autoimmune diseases. Although extensively studied in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, its prevalence and impact in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess muscle mass and strength in patients with SS, investigate the prevalence of probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia, and identify associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study included 79 SS patients and 72 healthy controls. Handgrip strength (HGS) and bioelectrical impedance analysis were used to assess muscle function. Probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia were defined according to the 2018 EWGSOP2 criteria and specific cutoffs for the Turkish population. Probable sarcopenia was significantly more prevalent in SS patients (63.6%) compared to controls (40.5%, p = 0.005), while sarcopenia was detected in 53.7% of SS patients vs 29.4% of controls (p = 0.01). Older age, lower HGS, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and delayed diagnosis were significantly associated with probable sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a prevalent yet overlooked complication in Sjögren's syndrome, emphasizing the need for routine muscle function assessments in clinical practice. Targeted interventions and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial to mitigating its impact and improving long-term patient outcomes.