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Assessment of Sarcopenia Using Rectus Femoris Ultrasound in Emergency Patients-A Cross-Sectional Study
Francisco Javier García-Sánchez1,2, Victoria Emilia Souviron-Dixon1,3, Fernando Roque-Rojas1,2
1Emergency Room Service, Hospital Universitario Infanta Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Puerta de Hierro Segovia Arana (IDIPHISA), 28981 Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 13, 2025
Summary
Sarcopenia, a muscle disorder, is common in older adults and linked to worse outcomes. This study found sarcopenia in emergency department patients correlates with comorbidities and in-hospital complications, suggesting screening is needed.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Emergency Medicine
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Sarcopenia is a progressive muscle disorder linked to aging and chronic diseases, impacting clinical outcomes and acute illness vulnerability.
- Its prevalence in emergency department (ED) populations is not well understood.
- This study addresses the gap by investigating sarcopenia in ED patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate sarcopenia prevalence in emergency department patients using ultrasound.
- To determine the relationship between sarcopenia and underlying comorbidities.
- To assess sarcopenia's association with in-hospital complications.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study of 150 adult ED patients.
- Sarcopenia assessed via rectus femoris ultrasound.
- Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data collected; 30-day follow-up for outcomes.
Main Results:
- Mean age of cohort: 70.7 years; 52% male.
- Neurological diseases showed highest sarcopenia degree (mean Y-axis: 0.93 cm).
- Patients with complications had lower muscle thickness (1.08 cm vs. 1.24 cm; p < 0.05); sarcopenia correlated with comorbidities and poor outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Sarcopenia is present in ED patients and linked to adverse outcomes.
- Findings support integrating sarcopenia screening into emergency care.
- Further research on early interventions for high-risk patients is warranted.
