| Theme | Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation for Dialysis Patients | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Assessment of sarcopenia and its adverse outcomes in dialysis patients | |
| Publish Date | 2011/09 | |
| Author | Akihiko Kato | Blood Purification Unit, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive, generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with a risk of adverse outcomes such as physical disability, poor quality of life and eventually death. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) recommends assessment of both low muscle mass and low muscle function (strength and performance) for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. In dialysis patients, sarcopenia is diagnosed entirely by the measurement of muscle mass. Muscle strength and physical performance are not evaluated in conjunction with muscle mass. However, decreased muscle volume and handgrip strength are demonstrated to be closely associated with adverse outcomes such as arteriosclerosis and mortality in dialysis patients. Therefore, to more greatly understand the concept of sarcopenia in the field of dialysis therapy, a large epidemiological cohort is needed to assess muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. It will be necessary to define cut-off points developed in relation to the measurement techniques chosen and on the availability of reference studies on the Japanese population. In addition, tools for screening and assessment of sarcopenia in medical practice are needed to identify strategies which can prevent or delay the progression of sarcopenia. |
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