The prevalence of sarcopenia is markedly increased in patients with intestinal failure and associates with several risk factors.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Intestinal insufficiency and intestinal failure are conditions associated with malabsorption of micro- and macronutrients. Consequently, malnutrition and ensuing alterations in body composition are common in this context and patients may have an increased risk of progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and function (i.e. sarcopenia). We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with intestinal insufficiency and intestinal failure and identified associated risk factors.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 113 clinically stable outpatients with intestinal insufficiency or intestinal failure. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and muscle function (strength or performance) using a handheld dynamometer and a timed up-and-go test. Sarcopenia was classified using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria. Several parameters, including smoking, alcohol, and concurrent morbidities, were analyzed for association with sarcopenia.

RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 53.1% (95% CI; 43.8 to 62.2) in the combined patient group. In patients with intestinal failure the prevalence of sarcopenia was 72.7% (95% CI; 59.3 to 83.0) compared to 34.5% (95% CI; 23.3 to 47.8) in those with intestinal insufficiency (OR 5.07 [95% CI; 2.27 to 11.31]; p < 0.001). Excessive alcohol consumption (OR 7.69 [95% CI; 1.50 to 39.34]; p = 0.014), intestinal failure (OR 4.16 [95% CI; 1.69 to 10.28]; p = 0.002), and inflammatory activity (OR 3.83 [95% CI; 1.06 to 12.84]; p = 0.041), were identified as independent risk factors of sarcopenia. A trend was observed for hypermetabolism in multivariate analysis (OR 7.55 [95% CI; 0.79 to 72.03]; p = 0.079).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with intestinal insufficiency and intestinal failure are at immense risk of developing sarcopenia. Associated risk factors are excessive alcohol consumption, intestinal failure, and inflammatory activity.