Predictors of probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia in older adults under outpatient geriatric care
Objectives: Sarcopenia is a prevalent systemic skeletal muscle disease common among older adults and those with chronicdiseases. It is associated with poor health outcomes and economic implications, including higher healthcare costs, increased need for long-term care, and reduced productivity. There...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Geriatrics, Gerontology and Aging |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://cdn.publisher.gn1.link/ggaging.com/pdf/v19e0000231.pdf |
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| Summary: | Objectives: Sarcopenia is a prevalent systemic skeletal muscle disease common among older adults and those with chronicdiseases. It is associated with poor health outcomes and economic implications, including higher healthcare costs, increased need for long-term care, and reduced productivity. Therefore, a rapid identification of older adults at high risk for sarcopenia may be a priority in all public healthcare settings. This study investigated predictive factors for probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia in older adults in outpatient care. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 511 Brazilian older adults (mean age=75.9±8.0 years, male-to-female ratio=1:1.62) followed at a public outpatient geriatrics clinic. Probable sarcopenia was defined by low skeletal muscle strength (SMS) as measured with a handgrip strength test. A diagnosis of sarcopenia was established when both SMS and calf circumference measurements were reduced. Variables were grouped according to demographic, body and appendicular anthropometric measurements, clinical, nutritional, and oral health status. Multinomial logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between independent variables and outcomes. Results: Probable sarcopenia was predicted by higher height (OR 1.06, 95%CI 1.03–1.08), lower mid-upper arm bone-free muscle area (OR 1.74, 95%CI 1.04–2.89), and diagnosis of edentulism (OR 2.03, 95%CI 1.32–3.14). In turn, sarcopenia diagnosis was predicted by lower mid-upper arm muscle circumference (OR 0.69, 95%CI 0.58–0.81), malnutrition (OR 3.24, 95%CI 1.25–8.40), and risk of sarcopenia (OR 7.98, 95%CI 3.04–20.99), and a reduced number of functional tooth units (OR 0.92, 95%CI 0.86–0.99). Advancing age predicted both probable sarcopenia (OR 1.05, 95%CI 1.02–1.08) and sarcopenia (OR 1.05, 95%CI 1.01–1.11). Conclusion: Appendicular anthropometric measurements and nutritional and oral health exams using reliable, low-cost, and easy-to-apply assessment methods emerged as accessible predictors of both probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia. |
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| ISSN: | 2447-2123 |