Clinical practice for sarcopenia in Asia: Online survey by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia

Correlation between low skeletal muscle index and 3D anthropometric data measured by 3D body scanner: screening sarcopenia

Background

The screening tools for sarcopenia are measuring calf circumference, SARC-F or SPPB. However, not all of these tools have high sensitivity, specificity, and low margins of error. This research investigates potential of 3D anthropometry of the lower extremities on screening of sarcopenia.

Methods

From October 2022 to February 2023, we retrospectively analyzed results of 3D body scanner and bio-impedance analysis for patients aged 45 to 85 at risk of sarcopenia. The 3D scanner measured the surface and volume values of both thighs and calves. When skeletal muscle index (SMI) is less than 5.7, patients were classified to Low SMI group, indicative of sarcopenia.

Results

A total six out of 62 patients were classified to Low SMI group, showing significantly lower values of right, left, mean calf volumes and mean calf surface than the other patients (right calf volume 2.62 L vs. 3.34 L, p = 0.033; left calf volume 2.62 L vs. 3.25 L, p = 0.044; mean calf volume 2.62 L vs. 3.29 L, p = 0.029; mean calf surface 0.12 m2 vs. 0.13 m2, p = 0.049). There was no statistical difference in thigh volume and surface. Through AUC-ROC analysis, mean calf volume was the most significant cut-off value (right calf volume 2.80 L, AUC = 0.768; left calf volume 2.75 L, AUC = 0.753; mean calf volume 3.06 L, AUC = 0.774; mean calf surface 0.12 m2, AUC = 0.747).

Conclusion

The calf volume and surface values have significant relationship with low SMI, and the mean calf volume was the most significant cut-off screening value for Low SMI. The 3D scanner demonstrated its value as a new means for screening sarcopenia.

Prevalence and Characteristics of the Course of Dysphagia in Hospitalized Older Adults

Sarcopenic dysphagia (SD) is an emerging concern in geriatric medicine. This study aimed to identify the prevalence, progression, and distinct attributes of SD in patients in the Department of Geriatric Medicine. Older adult patients admitted between 2021 and 2022 were enrolled. The department conducts a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) combined with a multidisciplinary team-based intervention, setting the standard for medical care. We diligently assessed the occurrence and development of dysphagia at both the admission and discharge phases. Of the 180 patients analyzed (38.9% male, mean age 86.0 ± 6.6 years), 22.8% were diagnosed with SD at admission, thrice the rate of other dysphagia variants. Only one patient had new-onset dysphagia during hospitalization, attributed to SD. Patients with SD showed a better recovery rate (18.9%) than those with other dysphagia types. Patients with diminished swallowing capacity had compromised nutritional profiles, diminished energy and protein consumption, and extended fasting durations. Although sarcopenia is a prevalent inducer of dysphagia in older adults, an integrated approach in geriatric medicine involving rehabilitation, nutrition, and dentistry is pivotal. Strategies rooted in CGA promise potential for addressing dysphagia.