Acute Sarcopenia

Abstract

Sarcopenia is currently understood as an organ insufficiency. However, the distinction of acute and chronic sarcopenia as different categories, which makes sense in this conceptual framework, is still evolving. The first set of modern definitions of sarcopenia only considered chronic sarcopenia. However, research showed that function in acute care settings differs from the loss that evolves slowly over months or years, and this fact is starting to permeate modern definitions. The updated version of the EWGSOP sarcopenia identifies acute and chronic sarcopenia as subcategories. Different studies have reported rates of incident sarcopenia in hospitalized older patients around 15% to 20%, which adds to the prevalent sarcopenia present on admission. Diagnosing sarcopenia in acute settings carries specific challenges related to the patients, the acute condition and limitations in the use of diagnostic tests for muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Prevention and management of acute sarcopenia rely on exercise during admission, but the quality of evidence is still low. Nutrition intervention and drugs may have a role, but more research is needed.

Low physical activity is a risk factor for sarcopenia: a cross-sectional analysis of two exercise trials on community-dwelling older adults

“…One participant was missing data on self-reported physical activity community-dwelling older adults who are not meeting recommended PA guidelines and those with recent HF. This study provides information on sarcopenia in two populations that can be distinguished according to the discussed conceptual framework of acute and chronic sarcopenia [9,16]. Participants not meeting the PA guidelines represent a risk group for developing chronic sarcopenia, and those with HF represent a risk group for developing acute sarcopenia.…”

“…One important factor to consider in the development of sarcopenia is myosteatosis, in which intermuscular adipose tissue has been found to accumulate with age and can lead to metabolic and muscle dysfunctions and poor muscle quality [15]. Recently discussed and still evolving concepts have identified sarcopenia as acute or chronic [9,16]. This concept recognizes acute illness or injuries (e.g., HF and hospital admission) as the main reasons for acute sarcopenia [9], while aging itself, sedentary lifestyle, muscle disuse, inadequate nutrient intake, and chronic diseases could be the main reasons of slowly developing sarcopenia [1].…”

Calf Circumference as an Indicator for Cystatin C Testing in Hospitalized Elderly Male Patients for Detecting Hidden Renal Impairment

“…CC has been proposed as an anthropometric estimation of muscle mass when no other method is available for the diagnosis of malnutrition or sarcopenia and is a simple, cost-effective screening test for sarcopenia or malnutrition [19].…”

Association between reduced muscle mass and poor prognosis of biliary sepsis

“…Acute sarcopenia can also occur in acute inflammatory conditions, such as sepsis, leading to rapid muscle loss 4 . The concept of acute sarcopenia has emerged recently from research on chronic sarcopenia, defined as sarcopenia that evolves in less than 6 months, and is usually triggered by an acute stressor 5 . Although research on muscle mass loss in acute severe illness is limited compared to that in chronic conditions, studies suggest that skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in physical recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term functionality after hospitalization 6 .…”