The Frequency of Sarcopenia and Associated Factors in Older Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive, systemic, and autoimmune disease.On the other hand, sarcopenia is a Geriatric syndrome characterized by a decrease in muscle mass and strength.Identifying and detecting factors associated with sarcopenia is critical for screening and treatment of older patients with RA. Materials and Methods:First off, Muscle Mass index and Free Fat Mass index in 30 young, healthy males and 30 young, healthy females were assessed using a bioimpedance analyzer to find cut-off values for sarcopenia diagnosis.Then, 100 RA patients over 65 years were recruited for the same test, and patients with a value 2 standard deviation below the calculated cut-off levels were diagnosed as having low muscle mass.Patients who had low muscle mass plus (low handgrip strength or low gait speed) were diagnosed as sarcopenic.In addition, the sample was divided into two groups as sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic.Demographic characteristics, medication history, bioimpedance value, daily life activities, frailty rate, malnutrition rate, hemoglobin level, 25-OH vitamin D level, glomerular filtration rate, rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide seropositivity, and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were compared between the groups.Results: The sarcopenic group was older than the other group.Nobody was found to use any biological agent in the sarcopenic group, but 8 nonsarcopenic patients had used biological agents previously.Malnutrition and frailty rate and level of dependence in activities of daily living were higher in the sarcopenic group than in the non-sarcopenic group.Not with standing, both groups had similar Disease Activity score-28; ESR and CRP level were higher in the sarcopenic group. Conclusion:The prevalence of sarcopenia rises with aging, malnutrition, and frailty.Accompanying with an autoimmune disease like RA, sarcopenia causes disabilities, dependence, and mortality at higher rates.Overall, sarcopenia and its consequences should be considered for the geriatric population.