AB1809-HPR DETERMINATION OF PRE-SARCOPENIA IN PATIENTS WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS

Abstract

BackgroundSarcopenia is described as the decline in muscle mass and strength that generally occurs with increased age which may cause increased fall risk, mortality, disability, and adverse health outcomes. Patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) may be more prone to sarcopenia due to the presence of chronic inflammation.ObjectivesThis study aims to determine the presence of sarcopenia or pre-sarcopenia and to clarify the associated factors with pre-sarcopenia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 39 patients with axSpA. Sarcopenia was assessed according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People in 2018 (EGSWOP2) criteria by evaluating muscle mass, gait speed, and grip strength. Muscle mass was measured using a bioimpedance body analyzer. Physical performance was assessed with the five times sit-to-stand (FTSTS) test and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Quality of life (QoL) and physical activity level were evaluated using Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF) respectively. Between-group comparison and correlation analysis were performed.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 47.58±6.78 with (64.1 % women), the mean disease duration was 8.17±7.33 years, and the mean body mass index was 28.05±4.74 kg/m2. Pre-sarcopenia was detected in 43.6% of all patients which was defined by low grip strength and no patients had sarcopenia. Patients with pre-sarcopenia were more physically inactive, had worse quality of life, and had lower physical performance compared with those without pre-sarcopenia (p < 0.05). The grip strength as the indicator of pre-sarcopenia was significantly moderately correlated with the SPPB (r = -0.48, p = 0.002), FSST (r = -0.43, p = 0.006), ASQoL (r = -0.45, p = 0.003), and IPAQ-SF (r = 0.48, p = 0.002).ConclusionPre-sarcopenia is commonly detected in axSpA patients and physical performance is impaired which may result in a further decline in functional status. Maintaining adequate muscle strength and muscle function in patients with axSpA may contribute toward improving QoL. Patients with axSpA should be assessed in terms of sarcopenia-related findings.