Post-COVID-19 inflammation and sarcopenia in obese diabetic dialysis patients

Introduction: Diabetes, obesity, and CKD collectively impact musculoskeletal health and increase the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 32 dialysis patients, categorized based on their COVID-19 status. Laboratory assessments included inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α). Sarcopenia risk was evaluated using the strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls (SARC-F) questionnaire, bioimpedance analysis, and static muscle strength testing.

Results: No significant differences were observed between groups in laboratory values, sarcopenia risk, or inflammatory markers. Body composition, SARC-F scores, and static muscle strength were comparable across both groups, except for elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in Group A (p = 0.008).

Conclusion: The lack of association between the inflammatory response and sarcopenia risk may be attributed to the existing inflammatory status of this population, given the coexistence of diabetes, CKD, and obesity. Notably, all studied laboratory variables showed no significant differences, except for the higher PTH levels.