Unveiling A Hidden Burden: Exploring Sarcopenia in Hospitalized Older Patients through Concordance and Cluster Analysis

Abstract Background Sarcopenia has shown to be an important condition, with the capability to predict health negative outcomes, especially in hospitalized older adults, hence its accurate identification has an important role in the prognosis of older patients. Aim: Assess the prevalence of sarcopenia among hospitalized older adults by employing three distinct diagnostic methods. Methods Older adults hospitalized were recruited. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess muscle mass and body composition. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the European and Asian criteria, and a modified approach using Colombian cut-off points for handgrip and gait speed. Finally, a cluster analysis was performed to classify the population. Results Sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia prevalence ranged from 7.3% to 31.6%. The agreement between approaches revealed a substantial or almost perfect agreement in 30% of the sarcopenia comparisons and 46.6% of the severe sarcopenia comparisons. The cluster analysis defined three different clusters. The first cluster had higher age, BMI and body fat, and poorer functional status and muscle. The second cluster was the healthiest, with high functional status and muscle mass. The third cluster had intermediate characteristics. Discussion This study highlights the requirement for standardized diagnostic criteria and precise body composition assessment tools in acute geriatric units but also remarks on the heterogeneity of older adults. Accurate assessment and well-defined diagnostic criteria will facilitate the implementation of appropriate management and interventions. Conclusion: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in hospitalized older adults, but the adjusted criteria and the inclusion of other parameters must be considered in the assessment.