PP475 - MUSCLE MASS ASSESSMENT METHOD STRONGLY INFLUENCES SARCOPENIA PREVALENCE IN HOSPITALIZED OLDER ADULTS
PP475
MUSCLE MASS ASSESSMENT METHOD STRONGLY INFLUENCES SARCOPENIA PREVALENCE IN HOSPITALIZED OLDER ADULTS
I. Barrientos-Calvo1,2,*
1 Health Research Unit, National Geriatric Hospital, San Jose, 2School of Medicine, University of Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
Rationale: The absence of a standardized muscle mass indicator in sarcopenia diagnosis can substantially affect prevalence estimates and patient classification in acute care settings. This study compares three methods for assessing muscle mass in hospitalized older adults to identify the approach with the greatest clinical utility.
Methods: A cross-sectional study included 142 adults aged 60 years or older who were hospitalized at a geriatric center in Costa Rica. Sarcopenia was defined according to EWGSOP2 criteria as low handgrip strength combined with one of three muscle mass (MM) indicators: absolute MM (SARC1), appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI; SARC2), or calf circumference (SARC3). Assessments encompassed nutritional status and functional ability. Statistical analyses included Cohen’s kappa and logistic regression.
Results: The mean age of participants was 79.0±7.8 years, with 54.2% male. Sarcopenia prevalence varied substantially: 17.6% (SARC1), 52.8% (SARC2), and 54.9% (SARC3). Concordance between SARC1 and the adjusted models (SARC2 and SARC3) was weak (κ=0.266 and κ=0.245), while SARC2 and SARC3 demonstrated moderate agreement (κ=0.561). Logistic regression identified age and Body Mass Index (BMI) as consistent independent factors. Male sex (OR=4.10) and malnutrition (OR=4.53) were significant only in SARC2. SARC3 (calf circumference) exhibited superior statistical strength (AUC=0.928) and clinical feasibility.
Conclusion: The selection of muscle mass indicator substantially influences sarcopenia prevalence estimates. Calf circumference (SARC3) offers an accessible and statistically robust alternative to absolute muscle mass or ASMI for identifying at-risk older adults. Standardization of diagnostic criteria is essential to inform clinical decision-making.
Disclosure of Interest: I. Barrientos-Calvo Other: None