P332 The role of Handgrip Strength in Nutritional Status Assessment of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been extremely prevalent in recent years. Multiple factors such as chronic inflammation, insufficient nutrient intake, malabsorption and high energy requirements during disease flares increase the risk of malnutrition and impaired body composition leading to complications such as thromboembolism, prolonged hospital stay and surgery. Nutritional status assessment through screening tools, anthropometry and body composition analysis requires experienced personnel and is time consuming. The purpose of this single center cross-sectional study is to assess nutritional status of patients with IBD and investigate various methods for the early detection of malnutrition. Methods Eligible participants were patients diagnosed with Corhn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) from August to October 2023. Exclusion criteria comprised corticosteroid or diuretic treatment and high output stoma or fistulas. Nutrition status was assessed with Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). Body composition analysis was performed with bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA, Bodystat Quadscan 4000). Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured to detect reduced muscle activity through Jamar dynamometer. BIA derived values were compared to reference values from epidemiological studies. Quality of life impairment evaluated through Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Data was analyzed with SPSS Statistics 29.0.1. Results 104 patients were included (68 with CD, 36 with UC) with a mean age of 46 years (20-79). Based on body mass index (BMI) of the examined sample: 2% were underweight, 47% normal, 31% overweight and 18% obese. Body composition analysis revealed high level fat mass in 50% of females and in 48% of males. Fat free mass index (FFMI) was found low in 30% of females and in 17.5% of males, respectively. Not significant differences were observed between patients with CD and UC. Malnutrition assessment through SGA revealed 7 (6%) severely and 10 (7%) moderately malnourished patients. HGS was negatively strongly correlated with SGA (R2=0.52) and the percentage of fat mass (R2=0.51), whereas positively moderately correlated with FFMI (R2=0.48) and IBDQ score (R2=0.30). Conclusion A large percentage of patients with IBD appear to have disturbed body composition and higher levels of fat mass compared to healthy population. Handgrip strength measurement is a fast and cost-effective method of muscle function assessment that correlates well with nutritional status and quality of life. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and incorporate handgrip strength measurement in every day clinical practice to detect malnourished patients.