Tzu-Hao Tseng MD, PhD , Ting-En Tseng MD , Yi-Chien Lu PhD , Ning-Huei Sie PhD , Chih-Chien Hung MD , Chung-Yi Li PhD , Der-Sheng Han MD, PhD , Chih-Hsing Wu MD, PhD , Chen-Yu Wang PhD , Shau-Huai Fu MD, PhD
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objectives
Sarcopenia is a serious condition in older individuals, characterized by muscle loss and physical decline. Early detection is crucial but challenging due to subtle symptoms. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 consensus recommends detection for possible sarcopenia, but the effectiveness of the suggested tools varies, and the ideal screening combination remains unclear. This study aims to identify the most suitable screening pathway for early sarcopenia detection in community settings.
Design
Prospective cross-sectional study.
Setting and Participants
Participants were recruited from locations offering congregated meal services between October 2018 and November 2019. Eligible participants were community-dwelling residents aged 50 years or older who were capable of completing the full sarcopenia survey.
Methods
All assessments recommended in the AWGS 2019 algorithm were conducted. We organized these tests into 12 distinct pathways, each combining a case-finding method with an assessment, either a muscle strength test or a physical performance test. Skeletal muscle mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The validity of different combinations was then compared.
Results
A total of 567 participants were enrolled in this study. Among the 3 case-finding tools, calf circumference had the highest sensitivity and the SARC-F (strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls) had the lowest (80% vs 8%). Across the 12 different screening combinations tested, pathways involving calf circumference outperformed those involving the SARC-F or the SARC-F combined with calf circumference (SARC-CalF). Notably, the combination of calf circumference and handgrip strength emerged as the optimal pathway, offering the best sensitivity and satisfactory specificity, along with superior discrimination ability (indicated by receiver operating characteristic analysis) and prediction accuracy (indicated by Brier score).
Conclusions and Implications
The combination of calf circumference and handgrip strength is the most effective screening pathway for detecting sarcopenia in community settings. Its performance is even close to conducting all the tests outlined in the AWGS 2019 consensus. This simplified pathway may serve as a practical screening option in community settings.
期刊介绍:
JAMDA, the official journal of AMDA - The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, is a leading peer-reviewed publication that offers practical information and research geared towards healthcare professionals in the post-acute and long-term care fields. It is also a valuable resource for policy-makers, organizational leaders, educators, and advocates.
The journal provides essential information for various healthcare professionals such as medical directors, attending physicians, nurses, consultant pharmacists, geriatric psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists, social workers, and others involved in providing, overseeing, and promoting quality