Epidemiological aspects of sarcopenia in patients with rheumatic diseases

The aim of the study. To assess the prevalence of sarcopenia in rheumatological patients. Patients and methods. 317 patients with rheumatological pathology were examined, among them 201 women and 116 men, the age of patients ranged from 21 to 58 years, the average age at the time of inclusion of patients in the study was 41.1±7.3 years. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the method recommended by The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2. Results. The frequency of occurrence of a decrease in the total mass of skeletal muscle according to the skeletal muscle mass index (ISMM) was 31.2% (n=99), a decrease in muscle strength according to the wrist dynamometry was observed in 44.5% (n=141), low skeletal muscle performance according to the results NIH Toolbox 4 Meter Walk Gait Speed Test in 42.8% (n=135). The prevalence of suspected sarcopenia (probable sarcopenia) was 13.3% (n=42) and sarcopenia 31.2% (n=99), no cases of severe sarcopenia were detected. Statistically significant differences were obtained between groups of patients depending on the duration of rheumatological disease and the prevalence of sarcopenia (χ2=19.328; p=0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of sarcopenia in rheumatological patients in the general population was 31.2%.