Fatores de risco associados à sarcopenia aguda em pacientes hospitalizados por covid-19

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed people's lifestyle. These changes greatly accelerate the loss of muscle mass and decline in physical function which are key characteristics of sarcopenia. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with acute sarcopenia in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out from January/2021 to March/2022 in a private hospital in Cuiabá/MT, Central Region of Brazil. The main variable was the prevalence of acute sarcopenia among adult hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Patients were assessed for acute sarcopenia using the SARC-F ≥4 questionnaire (strength, assistance with walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs, falls), grip strength <20kg (female) and <35kg (male) and calf circumference <33cm (female) and <34cm (male). Results: 213 patients aged 57.4+15.4 years were studied, 63.8% male. Thirty-four (16.0%) patients were diagnosed with acute sarcopenia. Advanced age (older people) and the percentage of weight loss ≥3%, before hospitalization, were independent risk factors for acute sarcopenia in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: Acute sarcopenia was present in 16% of patients. Advanced age and percentage of weight loss ≥3% independent risk factors for the prevalence of acute sarcopenia in hospitalized patients with COVID19.