Comparison of the prevalence of sarcopenia using skeletal muscle mass index and calf circumference applying the European consensus definition in elderly Mexican women

Calf circumference was negatively associated with all-cause mortality among the Chinese centenarians: a prospective study with a 5-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is an aging-related disorder characterized by a loss of muscle mass and function. Calf circumference (CC) is a useful surrogate marker of muscle mass and function. This prospective study was designed to investigate the association between CC and all-cause mortality during a follow-up for 5 years in the Chinese centenarians.

METHODS

The China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study (CHCCS) is conducted in 18 cities and counties of Hainan, China.

RESULTS

All 231 centenarians had a mean age of 103.03 years. Survival participants had a longer CC and were often living alone compared with others (P<0.05 for all). Multivariate Cox regression models showed that CC was negatively associated with all-cause mortality (P < 0.05 for all). Participants with a longer CC had a lower mortality risk compared with others [Exp(β): 0.918; 95%confidence interval: 0.863-0.977]. Participants with a longer CC had a lower mortality risk whether they were males or females and lived with family members or alone.

CONCLUSION

CC was negatively associated with all-cause mortality and could be an indicator of future mortality among the Chinese centenarians. Further researches should focus on preventing a decline in the CC in order to promote human longevity.

Clinical Validation of Calf Circumference with DEXA Scans as a Measure of Muscle Mass to Assess Sarcopenia in Community Settings in Indian Postmenopausal Women

Aims and Objective

To validate calf circumference as a reliable clinical tool for measuring muscle mass in postmenopausal women.

Materials and Methods

A cross sectional study done at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi from February 2023 to September 2023. Thirty postmenopausal women were enrolled for this study. Women with surgical menopause, premature ovarian failure, chronic debilitating illness and morbid obesity were excluded. In these women, muscle mass was measured using calf circumference. Also, Appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), a measure of muscle mass was calculated using DEXA scan (Gold standard). The muscle mass was taken as a parameter by both methods to detect sarcopenia. The collected data was analysed and statistically evaluated to clinically validate calf circumference as a reliable tool for measuring muscle mass in Indian postmenopausal women.

Results

In our study, the values at different cut offs of calf circumference was compared to ASMI scoring using gold standard investigation DEXA Scan. The better accuracy was found for the cut off point 32 cm of calf circumference with sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 60%, positive predictive value of 71.4%, negative predictive value of 100% and accuracy of 80%. The prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be 70%.

Conclusion

Calf circumference can be used as reliable clinical tool to assess sarcopenia as a measure of muscle mass in Indian postmenopausal women.

A Korean Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study Investigating Risk Factors, Prevalence, and Characteristics of Sarcopenia in Men in Early Old Age

The present study investigated the risk factors, prevalence, and characteristics of sarcopenia among men aged 50-64 years. A total of 2868 participants were enrolled in this study. Of these, 328 individuals were classified into a sarcopenia group; the remaining 2540 were assigned to a control group. This study examined several variables, including skeletal muscle mass index, age, height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use. It employed a stratified, clustered, and multistage probability sampling design. Complex sampling was used for the data analysis. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 10.25% (95% CI: 8.98-11.69). All anthropometric measures, including height, weight, BMI, and waist circumference, were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). In terms of blood pressure, only systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significant (p < 0.05), and fasting glucose and triglyceride levels were risk factors for sarcopenia (p < 0.05). Tobacco use differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.05). This study reported the specific prevalence of sarcopenia and identified its risk factors among men in early old age.

Physical Inactivity and Possible Sarcopenia in Rural Community Daycare Stations of Taiwan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Physical inactivity and possible sarcopenia pose a challenge for long-term care, especially in rural areas. We aimed to examine the prevalence of and associated factors for physical inactivity and possible sarcopenia in rural community daycare stations. A total of 275 adults aged 55–98 years (75% women) were recruited from all 11 rural community daycare stations in Northern Hualien, Taiwan. Physical inactivity was defined as less than 150 min/week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. Possible sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian-specific criteria from 2019. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to determine associated factors for physical inactivity and possible sarcopenia. The prevalence of physical inactivity and possible sarcopenia was 29.1% and 68.7%, respectively. About 86.8% of possible sarcopenia were ascribed to poor five-times-sit-to-stand performance. After adjusting for covariates, poor lower-limb muscle function, e.g., slow gait speed, was associated with possible sarcopenia and physical inactivity. However, physical inactivity was not independently associated with possible sarcopenia (adjusted odds ratio 1.95, 95% confidence interval 0.88–4.30, p = 0.100). Our results indicated that individuals with poor lower-limb muscle function were more likely to have possible sarcopenia and physical inactivity. Improving lower-limb muscle function would be a priority task in rural community daycare stations.

Comparison of revised EWGSOP2 criteria of sarcopenia in patients with cancer using different parameters of muscle mass

Calf circumference (CC) has been established as a marker of muscle mass (MM) with good performance for predicting survival in individuals with cancer. The study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) criteria and to evaluate the accuracy of sarcopenia using low CC relative to MM assessment by computed tomography (CT) at third lumbar vertebra level (L3) as a reference. Cross-sectional study with cancer patients aged ≥ 60 years. Data included socio-demographic, clinical and anthropometric variables. MM was assessed by CC and by CT images at the L3. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the EWGSOP2 criteria: a) low handgrip strength (HGS) + reduced MM evaluated by CT; and b) low HGS + low CC. Pearson's correlation, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive value were analyzed. A total of 108 patients were evaluated, age of 70.6 ± 7.4 years (mean ± standard deviation). The prevalence of sarcopenia was of 24.1% (low MM) and 25.9% (low CC). The Kappa test showed a substantial agreement (K = 0.704), 81% sensitivity, and 92% specificity. Although the EWGSOP2 advises that we should use CC measures in the algorithm for sarcopenia when no other MM diagnostic methods are available, the findings allow the use of CC instead of MM by CT in cancer patients.

Sarcopenia measurement in research and clinical practice

Sarcopenia is a disease related to accelerated loss of skeletal muscle and subsequent decline in functional capacity. It affects approximately 13% of the world's population aged over 60 years. Sarcopenia is primarily managed and prevented through a combination of exercise prescription combined with appropriate nutritional strategies. This review outlines diagnostic and case finding/screening tools for age-related (primary) sarcopenia used in research and clinical practice. Diagnostic tools critically reviewed include those of the: European Workgroup for Sarcopenia (EWGSOP) versions 1 and 2; Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) versions 1 and 2; Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH); and the Sarcopenia Definition and Outcomes Consortium (SDOC). Criteria used by diagnostic tools (muscle mass, muscle strength and physical functioning/performance) are also detailed. Case-finding tools include the SARC-F questionnaire, Ishii's formula and Goodman's screening grid. Additionally, this review discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each diagnostic and case-finding tool, and examines their ability to reliably predict adverse clinical outcomes and patient responses to potential therapies.

Anthropometry as a readily accessible health assessment of older adults

Anthropometry (derived from the Greek Anthropos: human, and metron: measure) refers to the systematic collection, and measurement of the physical characteristics of the human body, primarily body weight, body size, and shape. Anthropometric values are closely related to genetic factors, environmental characteristics, social, and cultural conditions, lifestyle, functional status, and health. Anthropometric measurements can be used to assess risk of malnutrition, obesity, muscle wasting, increased fat mass, and maldistribution of adipose tissue. Potential modifiable factors include circumferences, skinfolds, and body weight. While are height, and the bone diameters are non-modifiable. Kinanthropometry is the study of size, shape, proportionality, composition, biological maturation, and body function, in order to understand the process of growth, exercise, sports performance, and nutrition. Aging of the population, which is associated with increased risk of chronic disease, and disability, is one of the most important demographic changes facing many countries. Anthropometric indicators are simple, portable, non-invasive, inexpensive, and easily applied measurements that can be readily applied in geriatric populations to guide preventative measures, and medical interventions in older adults.

The Association of Osteosarcopenia With Functional Disability in Community-Dwelling Mexican Adults 50 and Older

Background: Osteosarcopenia (OS) has recently been described as a predictor of negative outcomes in older adults. However, this alteration in body composition has not been widely studied. In Mexico and Latin America, no information is available on its frequency or associated factors.

Objective: To analyze the association between OS with FD in community-dwelling Mexican adults 50 and older.

Design: Cross-sectional secondary data analysis was performed using primary data from a prospective study Frailty, Dynapenia and Sarcopenia Study in Mexican Adults (FraDySMex).

Setting and Participants: Eight hundred and twenty-five people were included, 77.1% women, aged 70.3 ± 10.8 years old.

Methods: OS was defined as when the person was diagnosed with sarcopenia (SP) plus osteopenia/osteoporosis. The SP diagnosis was evaluated in accordance with the criteria of the European Working Group for the Definition and Diagnosis of Sarcopenia (EWGSOP), and the osteoporosis diagnosis using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Muscle mass and bone mass were evaluated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). FD was evaluated using the basic activities of daily living (BADL) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Additional sociodemographic and health co-variables were also included, such as sex, age, education, cognitive status, depression, comorbidity, hospitalization, polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and nutrition variables such as risk of malnutrition and obesity. Associations between OS with FD were evaluated using multiple logistic regression.

Results: The prevalence of OS was 8.9% and that of FD was 8.9%. OS was associated with FD [odds ratio (OR): 1.92; CI 95%: 1.11–3.33].

Conclusions and Implications: Comprehensive OS assessment could help clinicians identify risk factors early, and thus mitigate the impact on FD in older people.

Dysmobility syndrome: a case-series study describing a musculoskeletal syndrome in postmenopausal Mexican women

"Dysmobility Syndrome" (DS) is a term that correlates sarcopenia and osteoporosis together with mobility disturbances, obesity, fractures, and falls. The prevalence of DS is of 74% in this study. Further research with bigger sample sizes is needed to describe if prevalence and DS characteristics are similar in other studies.

PURPOSE

"Dysmobility Syndrome" (DS) correlates sarcopenia and osteoporosis together with mobility disturbances, obesity, fractures, and falls, all of which are related to adverse outcomes in the health of the elderly; however, there are no studies of DS in Mexican patients. In this study, we aimed to describe the characteristics of DS in Mexican postmenopausal women from a private practice.

METHODS

A case-series study was conducted; women of 60 years and older were invited to participate from August to December of 2019, a total of 50 patients were included. Medical history, physical tests, bone densitometry, and body composition analysis were performed; patients who met 3 or more of the following criteria were diagnosed with DS: osteoporosis: T-score ≤ -2.5, falls in a previous year, lean appendicular mass: ≤ 5.45 kg/m², walking speed: < 1.0 m/s, grip strength: < 20 kg, and body fat percentage: > 40%.

RESULTS

Out of the total 50 patients, 37 were diagnosed with DS, with a prevalence of 74% in our study. Sixteen patients had a history of a non-vertebral fragility fracture, of which 14 had a diagnosis of DS (87%).

CONCLUSIONS

DS has a high frequency in our study group, and was found to be closely related to the presence of non-vertebral fragility fractures. More research is needed to describe the prevalence and characteristics of DS with a stronger statistical significance within our population, and among others across the country, to get an extensive understanding of its presentation in Mexican women.

KEY POINTS

• The frequency of DS in this study is higher than the one that is described in global literature. • DS diagnosis is closely related to the antecedent of non-vertebral fragility fracture.

Calf and arm circumference as simple markers for screening sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease

AIM

To prevent the progression of sarcopenia, early identification is important. We investigated the usefulness of sarcopenia screening tests using the arm and calf circumferences in patients with chronic liver disease.

METHODS

This was a single-center cross-sectional study based on data collected from a university hospital. We analyzed simple anthropometric data and sarcopenia-related chemical data or imaging data between April and December 2019. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Japan Society of Hepatology guidelines.

RESULTS

In total, 661 patients participated. Low muscle mass and low muscle strength were found in 245 (37.1%) and 153 (23.1%) patients, respectively. Ultimately, 90 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The sarcopenia group was significantly older and had a higher cirrhosis ratio and poorer liver function than the non-sarcopenia group. The sarcopenia group had a significantly lower body mass index, arm circumferences and calf circumferences than the non-sarcopenia group. A receiver operating characteristics analysis for diagnosing sarcopenia by arm and calf circumferences showed respective areas under the curve of 0.89 and 0.91 for men and 0.84 and 0.89 for women. The optimal cut-off values of arm and calf circumferences were respectively determined to be 25.0 and 32.6 cm for men (sensitivity 88.4% and 83.7%; specificity 74.0% and 84.7%) and 22.7 and 32.1 cm for women (sensitivity 66.0% and 85.1%; specificity 90.0% and 81.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The arm and calf circumferences seem useful as simple surrogate markers for screening sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease.

Anthropometric indicators as a discriminator of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults of the Amazon region: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome associated with negative health outcomes and the use of viable alternative screening tools may help in the diagnosis of this condition. This study aimed to analyze the association of sarcopenia with anthropometric indicators among community-dwelling older adults and to identify cut-off points for such indicators as a discriminant criterion for predicting sarcopenia.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted on community-dwelling older adults ≥60 years old (n = 411) of both sexes from Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. Socioeconomic, clinical and anthropometric data (arm circumference - AC, waist circumference - WC, calf circumference - CC and body mass index - BMI) were collected using a structured form. Sarcopenia was identified according to the EWGSOP 2 consensus. The association between anthropometric indicators and sarcopenia was performed using logistic regression and cut-off points established from the ROC Curve. Statistical significance was defined as p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Adjusted analysis indicated an independent and inverse association between sarcopenia and the anthropometric indicators: AC (odds ratio, OR: 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI: 0.53-0.76), CC (OR: 0.73; 95%CI: 0.62-0.85), WC (OR: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.90-0.97) and BMI (OR: 0.64; 95%CI: 0.53-0.76). The following cut-off points for older men and women represented the discriminant criterion for the presence of sarcopenia: WC (≤97 and ≤ 86 cm), CC (≤33 and ≤ 31 cm), AC (≤27 cm) and BMI (≤24.8 kg/m2 and ≤ 24.5 kg/m2) (area under the ROC curve superior to 0.70). BMI and AC were the indicators with the highest ability to discriminate older adults of both sexes with sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

An increase of one unit of the indicators can reduce the probability of occurrence of sarcopenia. All indicators were considered to discriminate the occurrence of sarcopenia, with emphasis on BMI and AC, and could be used to screen for this condition among community-dwelling older adults.

Sarcopenia: Influence of Regional Skeletal Muscle Cutoff Points and Fat-Free Mass in Older Mexican People-A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia is related to the skeletal muscle index cutoff points applied. The objective of this pilot study was to examine the recruitment process for testing different sarcopenia definitions (ASMI cutoffs) in older Mexican adults. It explored whether the prevalence of sarcopenia decreased by applying ethnic- and gender-specific, DXA-derived appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI)-cutoff points in the definitions, as well as some associated factors in a sample of community-dwelling older Mexican people.

METHODS

This is a pilot feasibility study that included a convenience sample of 217 community-dwelling older adults. Volunteers underwent DXA measurements and an assessment of functional status based on hand grip strength and physical performance. Six definitions were formed based on the 2010 EWGSOP criteria, but using different cutoff points for each of the three components, including regional cutoff points for ASMI derived from young Mexican adults. Several risk factors for sarcopenia were also assessed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sarcopenia varied according to the different definitions applied. The lowest level was found with the definition that applied regional ASMI-cutoff points (p < 0.01). The sarcopenic older adults had significant lower body weight, fat mass, and fat-free mass (FFM) than the nonsarcopenic subjects. The risk of sarcopenia increased with age and low FFM (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates the feasibility of the main study, and our data support the notion that using regional ASMI cutoff points resulted in a low prevalence of sarcopenia. Therefore, it is preferable to estimate the prevalence of this condition using ethnic- and gender-specific cutoff points and to explore associated factors such as low FFM.

Comparison of Diagnostic Performance of SARC-F and Its Two Modified Versions (SARC-CalF and SARC-F+EBM) in Community-Dwelling Older Adults from Poland

PURPOSE

Older adults should be routinely screened for sarcopenia, which threatens healthy, independent aging. The most popular screening tool is the SARC-F questionnaire. As its sensitivity is unsatisfactory, two modified versions of the questionnaire have been published: SARC-CalF (including calf circumference as an additional item) and SARC-F+EBM (assessing additionally age and Body Mass Index). The diagnostic performance of the three versions of the questionnaire has not been compared. The analysis aimed to assess the diagnostic value of SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and SARC-F+EBM questionnaires, and to compare their psychometric properties against two reference standards of sarcopenia diagnosis, ie, EWGSOP1 and modified EWGSOP2 criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed the sensitivity/specificity analysis and compared the overall diagnostic accuracy of SARC-F, SARC-CalF (31cm) (cut-off point 31 cm for both genders), SARC-CalF (33/34cm) (cut-off points: 33 cm for women and 34 cm for men), and SARC-F+EBM in 115 community-dwelling volunteers aged ≥ 65 yrs from Poland.

RESULTS

Depending on the version of the SARC-F questionnaire used, from 10.4% [SARC-CalF (31cm)] to 33.0% (SARC-F+EBM) were identified as having an increased risk of sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was identified in 17.4% by the EWGSOP1 criteria and in 13.9% by the modified EWGSOP2 criteria. With respect to the two reference standards used, the sensitivity of SARC-F, SARC-CalF (31cm), SARC-CalF (33/34cm), and SARC-F+EBM ranged 30.0-37.5%, 35.0-37.5%, 60.0-62.5%, 55.0% (the same value for both reference standards), respectively. The specificity ranged 85.3-85.9%, 93.9-94.7%, 88.4-86.9%, 70.7-71.6%, respectively. The AUC of SARC-F, SARC-CalF (31cm), SARC-CalF (33/34cm) and SARC-F+EBM ranged 0.644-0.693, 0.737-0.783, 0.767-0.804, 0.714-0.715, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The modified versions of SARC-F have better diagnostic performance as compared to the original questionnaire. Since an ideal screening tool should have reasonably high sensitivity and specificity, and an AUC value above 0.7, the SARC-CalF (33/34cm) seems to be the best screening tool for sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

Anthropometric indicators as screening tools for sarcopenia in older adult women

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between sarcopenia and different anthropometric indicators, and identify the best indicator to discriminate sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adult women.

METHOD

Data from 173 older adult women (≥60 years), living in Lafaiete Coutinho, a small-sized city in northeastern Brazil, were analyzed. Sarcopenia was defined based on the European consensus on definition and diagnosis using three components: muscle mass, muscle strength and performance. The association between sarcopenia and anthropometric indicators (body mass index, corrected arm muscle area and calf perimeter) was tested using the binary logistic regression technique.

RESULTS

The adjusted regression model indicated that all anthropometric indicators were inversely associated with sarcopenia, and an increase by one unit in body mass index, corrected arm muscle area or calf circumference decreased the probability of sarcopenia in older adult women by approximately 85%, 16% and 72%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

All the studied anthropometric indicators can be used as discriminators of sarcopenia in an older adult women population. To this end body mass index exhibited better sensitivity and calf circumference better specificity. The results of the study may improve nursing practice and that of other healthcare professionals, enabling sarcopenia screening in older adult women from simple and low-cost anthropometric indicators.

Can clinical and physical-functional factors predict falls in cognitively impaired older adults?

Abstract Objective: to investigate the frequency of falls and clinical and physical-functional factors associated with falls, and the accuracy of such factors to identify the risk of falling in cognitively impaired older adults. Method: a cross-sectional study with cognitively impaired older adults was carried out using the Mini-Mental State Examination. The dependent variable was a history of falls in the previous six months. The independent variables were self-reported mental confusion, hearing and visual impairment, physical fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness, body imbalance, insecurity when walking, diagnosed depression, hospitalizations, continuous use medications (form from study used), muscle mass (calf circumference) and handgrip strength (dynamometry), functional capacity (Pfeffer) and mobility (SAM-Br). Descriptive statistics were applied. The groups were compared using the Mann Whitney U test, the risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated for the associated factors. Results: 216 cognitively impaired older adults were included in the analysis, 41.7% of whom were fallers. Multivariate regression analyzes indicated that complaints of visual impairment (OR=2.8; p=0.015) and body imbalance (OR=2.7; p=0.004), and greater medication use (OR=1.1; p=0.038) were associated with a history of falls. The AUC found poor accuracy for quantity of medications as a screening tool for fallers (AUC=0.6 [0.5; 0.7]; p=0.028). Conclusion: cognitively impaired older adults had a high frequency of falls. Complaints of visual impairment, body imbalance and polypharmacy were predictors of falls. The early assessment of these factors can contribute to the identification of cognitively-impaired older adults at risk of falling in clinical practice and research.

Hand grip strength measurement in different epidemiologic studies using various methods for diagnosis of sarcopenia: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this systematic review was to compare various methods for measuring hand grip strength to provide data for the development of a standardized protocol for such a measurement based on epidemiologic studies of sarcopenia in older population.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using 34 available epidemiologic studies.

RESULTS

The choice of hand dynamometer and measurement protocols for measuring hand grip strength was not consistent among studies. Mean values of hand grip strength in older population were also different by study area (Europe, America, and Asia) and gender.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review demonstrated that various grip strength measurement methods were used in different epidemiologic studies. A standardized method is needed to enable more consistent measurement of grip strength and better assessment of sarcopenia.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older people of Mexico City using the EGWSOP (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People) diagnostic criteria

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in community-dwelling older people living in Mexico City using the EGWSOP (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People) diagnostic criteria that include muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance.Methods: The sample population was based on older people (≥60 years) affiliated with the Mexican Institute of Social Security in Mexico City. Data were derived from the database of the “Cohort of Obesity, Sarcopenia and Frailty of Older Mexican Adults” (COSFOMA). Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the EGWSOP criteria: gait speed (4 m) <0.8 m/s; handgrip strength (using a dynamometer) <20 kg in females or <30 kg in males, and muscle mass index (MMI) <6.1 kg/m2 in females or <8.5 kg/m2 in males (using bioimpedance analysis).Results: Thousand hundred seventy-seven subjects were included (median age 68.4 years, 60.2% females). 20.5% had low gait speed (19.1% females and 22.6% males); 62.4% had low handgrip strength (69.9% females and 51.2% males) and 12.3% had low muscle mass (9.9% females and 16.0% males). Only 9.9% of older people with sarcopenia (9.0% females and 11.1% males): 1.9% with severe sarcopenia (1.4% females and 2.6% males) and 8.0% with moderate sarcopenia (7.6% females and 8.5% males).Conclusions: Sarcopenia is present in one of ten community-dwelling older people residing in Mexico City. According to what has been reported in the literature, the prevalence of sarcopenia in older Mexican adults is similar to the community-dwelling population.

Prevalence of sarcopenia in the world: a systematic review and meta- analysis of general population studies

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia, an age-related decline in muscle mass and function, is one of the most important health problems in elderly with a high rate of adverse outcomes. However, several studies have investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia in the world, the results have been inconsistent. The current systematic review and meta- analysis study was conducted to estimate the overall prevalence of sarcopenia in both genders in different regions of the world.

METHODS

Electronic databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), SCOPUS and Web of Science were searched between January 2009 and December 2016. The population- based studies that reported the prevalence of sarcopenia in healthy adults aged ≥ 60 years using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), the International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) and Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) definitions, were selected. According to these consensual definitions, sarcopenia was defined by presence of low muscle mass (adjusted appendicular muscle mass for height) and muscle strength (handgrip strength) or physical performance (the usual gait speed). The random effect model was used for estimation the prevalence of sarcopenia. The sex-specific prevalence of sarcopenia and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the Binomial Exact Method. Heterogeneity was assessed by subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty- five articles met our inclusion criteria, with a total of 58404 individuals. The overall estimates of prevalence was 10% (95% CI: 8-12%) in men and 10% (95% CI: 8-13%) in women, respectively. The prevalence was higher among non- Asian than Asian individuals in both genders especially, when the Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) was used to measure muscle mass (19% vs 10% in men; 20% vs 11% in women).

CONCLUSION

Despite the differences encountered between the studies, regarding diagnostic tools used to measure of muscle mass and different regions of the world for estimating parameters of sarcopenia, present systematic review revealed that a substantial proportion of the old people has sarcopenia, even in healthy populations. However, sarcopenia is as a consequence of the aging progress, early diagnosis can prevent some adverse outcomes.