Pediatric Sarcopenia: What do We Know?

Abstract

Pediatric sarcopenia is an emerging health issue that affects muscle development, strength, and overall well-being in children and adolescents. While it was initially linked to aging, recent studies highlight its presence in younger populations, particularly among those with chronic conditions. This condition affects growth and neurodevelopment in the short term and is associated with an increased risk of long-term complications, namely metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Several factors contribute to pediatric sarcopenia, including inadequate prenatal nutrition, low birth weight, genetic susceptibility, insufficient dietary protein intake, sedentary behaviors, obesity, metabolic imbalances, and chronic illnesses. Reduced muscle mass impairs bone health, delays growth spurts, and affects physical performance, which may result in a lower quality of life. In children with chronic diseases, sarcopenia exacerbates clinical outcomes, prolongs hospital stays, and increases the likelihood of complications. Diagnosing sarcopenia in children is complex due to differing growth patterns. Existing assessment methods, such as imaging techniques and body composition analysis, lack standardized reference values tailored to pediatric populations, which makes early detection challenging. Preventive strategies emphasize physical activity, especially resistance exercises (muscle strengthening), reduced screen time, improved dietary habits, and sleep hygiene. Innovative treatments are being explored, including targeted drug delivery to the muscle to minimize side effects, regenerative approaches utilizing nanoparticles, and myostatin inhibitors for stimulating muscle growth. Stem cell therapy and biomaterial-based muscle reconstruction are also under investigation; however, pediatric-specific therapeutic guidelines remain undefined. Early intervention is crucial for reducing its negative effects and fostering healthier developmental paths.