Abstract
Background Sarcopenia is characterised by loss of muscle strength and
mass, leading to falls and adverse health outcomes. Our aim was to determine the
prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) and
to identify factors associated with sarcopenia in these patients.
Methods This cross-sectional study included 120 male patients with ax-SpA
and 100 healthy individuals matched for both sex and age. Sarcopenia was
assessed by muscle strength, muscle mass and physical performance using the
criteria determined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). The
ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), laboratory indicators and
bone mineral density were determined. Falls/fractures sustained over the
prior year were evaluated. The association between sarcopenia and clinical
characteristics was evaluated using logistic regression analyses.
Results According to the diagnostic criteria of AWGS 2019, the prevalence
of sarcopenia, severe sarcopenia and possible sarcopenia was 20.8%, 9.2
and 16.7% higher than in the healthy control population
(p<0.01). Factors associated with the prevalence of secondary sarcopenia
in ax-SpA were ASDAS, serum levels of prealbumin and 25-(OH)D as well as the
incidence of falls/fractures.
Conclusions Patients with ax-SpA have a high incidence of sarcopenia. The
development of sarcopenia was associated with high ASDAS, reduced levels of
prealbumin and 25-(OH)D as well as the incidence of falls/fractures.
Key words
sarcopenia - spondyloarthritis - disease activity - nutrition - osteoporosis
Schlüsselwörter
Sarkopenie - Spondyloarthritis - Krankheitsaktivität - Ernährung - Osteoporose
