BackgroundAll proposed definitions of sarcopenia include the measurement of muscle mass, but the techniques and threshold values used vary. Indeed, the literature does not establish consensus on the best technique for measuring lean body mass. Thus, the objective measurement of sarcopenia is hampered by limitations intrinsic to assessment tools. The aim of this study was to review the methods to assess muscle mass and to reach consensus on the development of a reference standard.MethodsLiterature reviews were performed by members of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis working group on frailty and sarcopenia. Face‐to‐face meetings were organized for the whole group to make amendments and discuss further recommendations.ResultsA wide range of techniques can be used to assess muscle mass. Cost, availability, and ease of use can determine whether the techniques are better suited to clinical practice or are more useful for research. No one technique subserves all requirements but dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry could be considered as a reference standard (but not a gold standard) for measuring muscle lean body mass.ConclusionsBased on the feasibility, accuracy, safety, and low cost, dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry can be considered as the reference standard for measuring muscle mass.

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AimsHypoalbuminemia is common in heart failure (HF), especially in elderly patients. It is associated with an increased risk of death. The present study sought to examine the prognostic significance of serum albumin level in the prediction of hospital mortality in patients admitted for acute non‐ischemic HF.Methods and resultsWe examined the association between albumin and hospital mortality in a cohort of 546 patients admitted for acute non‐ischemic HF. None of the patients had infectious disease, severe arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation), required invasive ventilation, or presented with acute coronary syndrome or primary valvular disease. Thirty‐six patients (7%) died during the hospital stay. These patients were significantly older (78 ± 9 vs. 72 ± 12 years; P = 0.006), had higher heart rate (P < 0.0001), increased creatinine level (P = 0.01), lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P < 0.05), elevated leucocyte count (P = 0.001), and lower albumin levels (31.3 ± 5.6 g/L vs. 36.9 ± 4.1 g/L; P < 0.001). With multivariable analysis, age (P = 0.01), heart rate (P < 0.0003), diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.01), leukocyte count (P = 0.009), and serum albumin level (P < 0.0001) emerged as independent predictors of hospital mortality. Hypoalbuminemia (<34 g/L) yielded the best sensitivity (78.8%) and specificity (75%) for predicting hospital death.ConclusionsSerum albumin level measured at admission can serve as a simple prognostic factor in acute non‐ischemic HF. Hypoalbuminemia is associated with increased risk of hospital mortality, especially in elderly patients.

Objective: Hypoalbuminemia is common in heart failure (HF), especially in elderly patients. It is associated with an increased risk of death. The present study sought to examine the prognostic significance of serum albumin level in the prediction of long-term mortality in patients admitted for acute HF. Methods and results: We examined the association between albumin and hospital mortality in a cohort of 509 patients admitted for acute HF. None of the patients had infectious disease, severe arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation), required invasive ventilation or presented with acute coronary syndrome or primary valvular disease. Sixty-nine patients (14%) died during the 1-year follow-up. With multivariable analysis, haemoglobin level (p ¼ .003), systolic blood pressure (p ¼ .004) and serum albumin level (p ¼ .003) emerged as independent predictors of long-term mortality. Hypoalbuminemia (<35.7 g/L) had a hazard ratio of 2.01 (95% CI 1.24-3.25) and haemoglobin of 2.6 (95% CI 1.29-5.22) for predicting long-term mortality. Conclusions: Serum albumin level measured at admission, especially if combined with anaemia, can serve as a simple prognostic factor in acute HF for predicting long-term outcome.