Should we consider sarcopenia in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease? A preliminary cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

We investigated sarcopenia and its traits in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease. MethodsPhysical function was assessed using handgrip strength (HGS) and the 60-second sit-to-stand (STS-60).Body composition was assessed by bioelectrical impedance and anthropometry through mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Probable sarcopenia was considered as low HGS, whereas sarcopenia by adding low MUAC. ResultsTwenty-two patients were evaluated (11 ± 4 years and 59% boys). Sarcopenia prevalence was 50%. Low physical function by HGS and STS-60 was 59% and 100%, respectively, while low MUAC in 77%. HGS was positively associated with all body composition variables in the non-dialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups; on the other hand, the STS-60 was not signi cantly associated with any of the body composition variables. ConclusionAmong pediatric patients with CKD, the prevalence of sarcopenia was high. Therefore, strategic interventions to body composition will likely confer positive bene ts on HGS, but not on STS-60.

Malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty assessment in pediatric transplantation

“…In a single-center evaluation assessing grip strength and 60-s sit-to-stand test, >50% of children had low physical function via grip strength and 100% of children had low physical function per the sit-to-stand test. 92 The CKiD study reported reduced grip strength in their cohort with a median z score of -0.72 (IQR, −1.39 to 0.11). 93 The values from children with CKD stages 2-5 were significantly lower than those in children with CKD stage 1, and values were associated with CKD vintage, pubertal status, neuropsychiatric comorbidities, need for feeding support, alkali therapy, and hemoglobin levels.…”