Acute sarcopenia is a rapid decline in muscle mass and function occurring within 28 days of a major stressor, such as hospitalization, infection, or surgery. It is frequent but often underdiagnosed in older adult. Current standard of care lacks systematic strategies for its early detection and risk stratification. This study therefore proposes to combine established clinical and instrumental assessments (handgrip dynamometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, ultrasound of the anterior thigh) to better characterize the risk factors, and outcomes of acute sarcopenia in hospitalized patients aged 65 years or older. The study hypothesis is that the use of a systematic objective clinical assessments will improve early detection and risk stratification of this condition and the detection of acute sarcopenia related outcomes. This is a prospective observational cohort study that will be conducted in the Emergency Department and Medical Wards of the San Raffaele Hospital. Studies objectives will include: * Determination of the incidence of acute sarcopenia * Identification of clinical and demographic risk factors for acute sarcopenia and relevant clinical outcomes associated with this condition
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
280
The study procedures include: * Handgrip dynamometry to evaluate muscle strength using a standardized dynamometer. * Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and ultrasound of the anterior thigh to measure muscle mass. No comparator procedure is foreseen. The regimen includes baseline assessment within 24 hours of admission, repeated evaluations on days 3, 5, 7, 10, and every five days until discharge (on average maximum 20 days after hospital admission), with follow-up visits at 3 and 6 months post-discharge.
ACUTE SARCOPENIA INCIDENCE
Primary Objective: to determine the incidence of acute sarcopenia, defined as a reduction in muscle mass and strength during hospitalization in older adults. Primary Endpoint: incidence of acute sarcopenia, defined as a reduction in muscle mass (BIA and anterior thigh ultrasound) and muscle strength (handgrip dynamometry) compared with baseline.
Time frame: Time point(s): baseline (within 24h of admission), days 3, 5, 7, 10, then every 5 days until hospital discharge (on average maximum 20 days after hospital admission).
ACUTE SARCOPENIA RISK FACTORS AND OUTCOMES
to identify clinical and demographic risk factors for acute sarcopenia, relevant clinical outcomes such as length of stay, nosocomial infections, pressure injuries, rehospitalization and mortality.
Time frame: Time point(s): baseline (within 24h of admission), days 3, 5, 7, 10, every 5 days until hospital discharge (on average maximum 20 days after hospital admission), and follow-ups at 3 and 6 months.
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