Pre-sarcopenia in patients undergoing hemodialysis: Prevalence and association with biochemical parameters

Background & aims: Albumin and C reactive protein (CRP) concentrations are associated with the loss of lean body mass in the elderly. However, it remains to be ascertained whether these parameters are associated with pre-sarcopenia of chronic renal failure adult's patients undergoing replacement therapy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of pre-sarcopenia and it association with serum albumin and CRP concentrations in adult patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling hemodialysis patients. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and arm, thigh and calf circumferences were assessed using the inelastic tape; handgrip strength using a dynamometer; and body fat mass and appendicular lean mass (ALM) using the DXA. The classification of pre-sarcopenia was obtained by ALM values.

Results: From sixty-two patients, 35.5% were diagnosed with pre-sarcopenia. Logistic regression analysis revealed no show association between pre-sarcopenia (absence or presence) with serum CRP or albumin concentrations in both models, crude or adjusted by body fat mass.

Conclusions: Approximately one-third of patients undergoing replacement therapy presented pre-sarcopenia, but no association with serum albumin and CRP concentrations were found.