M UMAKANTHAN1, K SUD1,2, G DUQUE2, D BOERSMA1, M GANGADHARAN KOMALA1
1Department of Renal Medicine, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, New South Wales; 2University of Sydney- Nepean Clinical School, Sydney, New South Wales
Aim: To study the prevalence of sarcopenia and determine the correlation between muscle strength, muscle mass and muscle function in patients on dialysis in Western Sydney
Background: The prevalence of sarcopenia in patients on dialysis has been reported to vary from 4% to 63%. The definition of sarcopenia is evolving and has been linked to decline in muscle mass, strength and function. No prevalence study has been conducted in Australia to our knowledge.
Methods: The study population included satellite hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients. We assessed muscle mass by bioimpedence spectroscopy (BIS) (Fresenius), muscle strength using Jamar handgrip dynamometer and muscle function using Timed Up and Go (TUAG) test in 24 haemodialysis patients and 15 peritoneal dialysis patients. Reduced muscle mass was defined as lean tissue index (LTI) below reference range provided by Fresenius, reduced grip strength below 26 kg for men and 16 Kg for women and reduced function as time taken for TUAG beyond reference range for age. The correlation between the three measures were tested using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (GraphPadPrism)
Results: The average age of the participants was 64, whereas the average age of sarcopenic patients by handgrip assessment and BIS was 74. There were 28 males and 11 females in this study. The prevalence of sarcopenia based on handgrip assessment and TUAG was 41%, whereas BIS determined prevalence of 31%. There was good correlation between handgrip assessment and BIS as well as handgrip and TUAG. However no correlation was found between BIS and TUAG.
Conclusions: The prevalence of sarcopenia is high in elderly dialysis patients in Australia. The 3 parameters used to determine sarcopenia show correlation in this patient population.