Association of Fat Mass with SARC-F in Older Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis

Background/Objectives An increase in fat mass is accompanied by a loss of muscle mass and function in chronic kidney disease. However, no studies in haemodialysis (HD) patients have investigated the relationship between fat mass and sarcopenia. The primary aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia, while the secondary aim is to verify the association between the fat mass percentage and SARC-F and SARC-F combined with calf circumference (SARC-F+CC) in elderly HD patients. Subjects/Methods A cross-sectional study enrolled 96 HD older patients (male, n = 66). SARC-F >= 4 is used to define the muscle function loss, whereas SARC-F >= 6 or SARC-F >= 11 (with the calf circumference added) are the thresholds to diagnose sarcopenia. The fat mass percentage is obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results We found that 37.5% had a risk of muscle function loss due to SARC-F >= 4, 21.8% risk of sarcopenia using the SARC-F >= 6, and when using CC, the prevalence of risk of sarcopenia increased to 41.6% according to SARC-F+CC >= 11. In addition, there was an association between adiposity and sarcopenia for SARC-F >= 6 (OR: 1.25, p= 0.028) and SARC-F+CC >= 11 (OR: 1.25, p= 0.0003), but not with muscle function loss (SARC-F >= 4). Conclusion In conclusion, we found that 37.5% of HD patients had a risk of muscle function loss and 21-41% presented sarcopenia, depending on the cut-off point used. In addition, higher adiposity was associated with an increased likelihood of having sarcopenia by 25%.

Automated summary

This study examined the prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly hemodialysis patients and found an association between fat mass percentage and SARC-F/SARC-F+CC. A significant proportion (37.5%) of patients were at risk of muscle function loss, and adiposity was linked to an increased likelihood of sarcopenia by 25%.