Background Evidence indicates that neurological patients exhibit regional sarcopenia, but current
gold-standard measurements only capture whole-body sarcopenia. Additionally, neurological
patients often experience feeding impairments, increasing the risk of malnutrition.
Knowledge about the evolution of sarcopenia and malnutrition during neurological inpatient-rehabilitation
is lacking.
Objectives 1.) To assess the prevalence and development of sarcopenia and malnutrition over
six months rehabilitation using gold-standard measurements. 2.) to conduct a proof-of-concept
investigation of regional sarcopenia measurements in neurological patients.
Methods All patients admitted to Rehab-Basel from April-June 2023 were screened for eligibility.
Using both gold-standard and regional tests throughout all procedures, eligibles were
screened for risk of sarcopenia and malnutrition. Diagnostic tests were completed
in positively screened patients and severity was measured. This procedure was repeated
after three weeks, three and six months, or three days before discharge.
Results Of the 105 individuals admitted, 45 (48.9% male) were included and analyzed. Prevalence
(mean(95%CI)) of malnutrition at baseline: 31.1%(18.2-46.6), decreased to 0%(0-28.5)
at six months. Sarcopenia prevalence according to gold-standard at baseline: 37.8%(23.8-53.5),
decreased within the first three weeks to 26.2%(13.9-42), remaining unchanged until
six months. Regional measurements of sarcopenia were able to detect differences between
left & right body as well as upper and lower body and demonstrated high sensitivity
and specificity in detecting sarcopenia compared to gold-standard (sensitivity:100%,
specificity:93% at baseline).
Conclusion Malnutrition and sarcopenia are common among neurological patients. While malnutrition
decreases over six months, the risk of sarcopenia remains stable from three weeks
to six months. Our study has demonstrated that regional differences in sarcopenia
can be measured, allowing for more targeted interventions.
