Comparison of the 2010 and 2019 diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) in two cohorts of Swedish older adults

Abstract

Background The operational definition of sarcopenia has been updated (EWGSOP2) and apply different cut-off points compared to previous criteria (EWGSOP1). Therefore, we aim to compare the sarcopenia prevalence and the association with mortality and dependence in activities of daily living using the 2010 (EWGSOP1 and 2019 (EWGSOP2 operational definition, applying cut-offs at two levels using T-scores. Methods Two birth cohorts, 70 and 85-years-old (n = 884 and n = 157, respectively), were assessed cross-sectionally (57% women). Low grip strength, low muscle mass and slow gait speed were defined below − 2.0 and − 2.5 SD from a young reference population (T-score). Muscle mass was defined as appendicular lean soft tissue index by DXA. The EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 were applied and compared with McNemar tests and Cohen’s kappa. All-cause mortality was analyzed with the Cox-proportional hazard model. Results Sarcopenia prevalence was 1.4–7.8% in 70-year-olds and 42–62% in 85 years-old’s, depending on diagnostic criteria. Overall, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 0.9–1.0 percentage points lower using the EWGSOP2 compared to EWGSOP1 when applying uniform T-score cut-offs (P < 0.005). The prevalence was doubled (15.0 vs. 7.5%) using the − 2.0 vs. -2.5 T-scores with EWGSOP2 in the whole sample. The increase in prevalence when changing the cut-offs was 5.7% (P < 0.001) in the 70-year-olds and 17.8% (P < 0.001) in the 85-year-olds (EWGSP2). Sarcopenia with cut-offs at − 2.5 T-score was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio 2.4–2.8, P < 0.05) but not at T-score − 2.0. Conclusions The prevalence of sarcopenia was higher in 85-year-olds compared to 70-year-olds. Overall, the differences between the EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 classifications are small. Meaningful differences between EWGSOP1 and 2 in the 85-year-olds could not be ruled out. Prevalence was more dependent on cut-offs than on the operational definition.

From the Bench to the Bedside: Branched Amino Acid and Micronutrient Strategies to Improve Mitochondrial Dysfunction Leading to Sarcopenia

“…A recent study compared EWSGOP-2 and EWSGOP-1 criteria in in two cohorts of Swedish older adults, showing small differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia measured either way (0.9–1.0 percentage points lower with EWSGOP-2). However, in the very old subjects (>85-years), significant differences between EWGSOP-1 and 2 could not be ruled out [ 17 ]. The prevalence of the disease ranges from 6.42% to 21.56% depending on the diagnostic criteria applied and the population studied [ 18 ].…”

Different assessment tools to detect sarcopenia in patients with Parkinson's disease

“…With EWGSOP-2 criteria, the prevalence decreased, with some studies reporting occurrences ranging from 0.2 to 13.7% ( 4 – 9 ). Agreement between the two criteria has been mostly inconsistent with some studies showing good ( 5 , 10 , 11 ) and most showing poor agreement ( 6 , 8 , 12 – 15 ). It was also suggested by EWGSOP to use the validated screening scale SARC-F to identify potential patients who might be suffering from sarcopenia ( 1 ).…”

Bibliometric analysis of research trends in relationship between sarcopenia and surgery

“…Sarcopenia, as one of the most common geriatric syndromes, was first named by Rosenberg in 1,989 (1), and the concept of sarcopenia was first identified and recognized clearly by EWGSOP (European working group on sarcopenia in older people) in 2010 (2). Sarcopenia is a group of syndromes characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, limb dysfunction, and increased risk of adverse events (3).…”