Incident sarcopenia in hospitalized older people: A systematic review

Abstract

Hospitalization has been associated with the development of sarcopenia. This study aimed to examine the new incidences of hospital sarcopenia, associated risk factors and health outcomes, as defined by internationally recognized diagnostic criteria in hospitalized older people. Pre-defined search terms were run through five databases. Six studies that assessed sarcopenia on two separate time points during hospitalization on older inpatients were included. Prevalence of sarcopenia varied from 14.1% to 55% depending on diagnostic criteria and cut-off points used. New sarcopenia occurred between 12% to 38.7% patients following hospitalization. Risk factors were older age, longer duration of bed rest, lower baseline body mass index, cognitive impairment and activities of daily living disability. None of the studies reported health outcomes associated with newly developed sarcopenia in hospital.

Low hemoglobin levels are associated with compromised muscle health: Insights from a post‐stroke rehabilitation cohort

“…Potential confounders for changes in skeletal muscle function including age, sex, FIM-motor, FIMcognition, stroke type, pre-stroke mRS, CCI, BRS-lower extremity, baseline SMI and HGS, number of medications, protein intake, length of hospital stay, rehabilitation, and CRP were identified through multi-investigator discussion and prior research review. 1,3,25,[27][28][29][30][31] Multicollinearity was assessed using the variance inflation factor (VIF): a VIF value of 1-10 indicates the absence of multicollinearity. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.…”

“…The potential mechanism behind this association is that low Hb levels may lead to reduced oxygen delivery to skeletal muscles, thereby affecting muscle strength and mass. 32 Because hospital-associated sarcopenia has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes, such as functional decline, dysphagia, increased healthcare costs, longer hospital stays, and higher odds of rehospitalization, 1,[33][34][35][36] the findings suggest the importance of monitoring and addressing Hb levels to prevent muscle atrophy, especially in older patients. Future recommendations include integrating hemoglobin assessment into routine screening for muscle health in hospitalized patients and conducting further research on the mechanisms and potential interventions.…”

“…Hospitalization can lead to an acute rapid decline in muscle mass and function, with more than half of hospitalized individuals experiencing a loss of skeletal muscle mass exceeding 10%. [1][2][3] This decline is associated with negative outcomes, including increased risk of hospital-acquired disability, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates, particularly among older patients. 1,4 The prevalence of sarcopenia during hospitalization varies, with studies reporting incidences ranging from 12% to 55%.…”

“…[1][2][3] This decline is associated with negative outcomes, including increased risk of hospital-acquired disability, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality rates, particularly among older patients. 1,4 The prevalence of sarcopenia during hospitalization varies, with studies reporting incidences ranging from 12% to 55%. 1,2,[5][6][7] Therefore, preserving skeletal muscle mass during hospitalization is crucial for mitigating these adverse outcomes and promoting the overall well-being and recovery of patients, especially the elderly.…”

“…1,4 The prevalence of sarcopenia during hospitalization varies, with studies reporting incidences ranging from 12% to 55%. 1,2,[5][6][7] Therefore, preserving skeletal muscle mass during hospitalization is crucial for mitigating these adverse outcomes and promoting the overall well-being and recovery of patients, especially the elderly. 8 Anemia in hospitalized adults is of great importance owing to its high prevalence and impact on patient outcomes.…”