PP114-MON: Vitamin D in Patients with Crohn’s Disease

Abstract

Rationale: Systemic sclerosis is a rare chronic autoimmune disease, characterized by fibrosis and inflammation and associated with a physical impairment and higher mortality. We assessed prevalence of sarcopenia and the impact of muscle strength and quality of life. Methods: Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Fat free mass was determined with algorithm suggested by Kyle et al and corrected for height. (FFMI, kg/m2). Values below 17.4 kg/m2 in men and <15 kg/m2 in women were considered indicative of sarcopenia. Maximal grip strength was measured with Jamar Dynamometer, and maximal knee extension strength with Digimax Dynamometer. Quality of Life was assessed with the validated SF 36. C-reactive protein was measured immunometric assay. Results: 107 patients were recruited (97 female, 59.3±14 years old, BMI 24.3±5 kg/m2). 41 (38.3%) patients were sarcopenic. Patients with sarcopenia did not differ from nonsarcopenic patients with regard to age, number of affected organs, comorbidities or treatment, but they exhibited significantly lower grip and knee strength, BMI (21.0±1.9 vs. 26.5±5.3, p < 0.0001) and CRP (7.7±12.9 vs. 2.8±3.6; p < 0.009). FFM correlated significantly with grip and knee extension strength (r = 0.64 and r = 0.37, p < 0.0001). There were no differences in quality of life.