Research Square · Jul 6, 2022
Prevalence and Risk factors for Sarcopenia in Thai Patients with Rheumatoid arthritis
By Kieattisaksopon S, Narongroeknawin P, Muangpaisan W et al.
Abstract Background Sarcopenia is characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength, and/or decreased physical performance leading to increased all-cause mortality. We studied the prevalence and risk factors for sarcopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Method A prospective cross-sectional study of 182 adult patients with RA. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia: 2019 Consensus Update on Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Treatment. The body impedance analyzer was used to estimate body composition. Hand grip dynamometer and six-meter walk test were performed to evaluate muscle strength and physical performance, respectively. Results Number (26.4%) patients had sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was common in females, older age, lower body mass index (BMI), and poorer nutritional status. Advanced age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.07 (95% CI 1.02–1.11), p = 0.002], low BMI [HR (95% CI) 0.81 (0.72–0.90), p < 0.001], high disease activity [HR (95% CI) 1.64 (1.22–2.12), p = 0.045], and depression [HR (95% CI) 1.18 (1.01–1.37), p = 0.04] were independently associated with sarcopenia.Conclusion Sarcopenia was found to be common in Thai RA, and its independent risk factors are age, disease activity, BMI, and depression. Well-controlled disease activity may be beneficial for preventing or minimizing sarcopenia and improving patient outcomes.