Sarcopenia in dialysis centers in Brazil: a survey study about assessment and management

Abstract

Objective To identify the Brazilian dialysis centers that assess sarcopenia in their clinical routine and how it is diagnosed and managed. Methods This is a web-based survey study, structured with quali-quantitative questions about how sarcopenia is routinely assessed in dialysis centers. Centers officially registered at the Brazilian Society of Nephrology website were contacted through e-mail and/or telephone. The survey included questions about the dialysis staff, instruments, methods, and criteria for diagnosing sarcopenia, and how it was managed if diagnosed. Results Sixty-two dialysis centers responded to the survey and 23 (37%) assessed sarcopenia as a clinical routine. Of these, 13 had an exercise professional (57%), and all had a dietitian. The main consensus adopted to diagnose sarcopenia was the revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2; n=10, 44%). The assessment frequency was mainly six-monthly and quarterly (n=8, 35% both). The most common methods to assess sarcopenia traits were handgrip strength (n=16, 70%) for physical function and bioimpedance analysis (n=15, 65%) for muscle mass. Centers with an exercise professional had a higher chance of assessing sarcopenia (OR=4.23, 95% CI: 1.37 to 13.07). Changes in the dietary plan (n=20, 87%) and prescription of resistance and combined exercises (n=8, 35% both) were the most adopted intervention strategies. Conclusion The assessment of sarcopenia and its traits in Brazilian dialysis centers as a clinical routine was low. The most used definition guideline was the EWGSOP2, while the most used assessments were handgrip strength and bioimpedance analysis.