Ocorrência de sarcopenia em pacientes hospitalizados no Brasil: uma revisão narrativa

Abstract

Population aging due to improved quality of life and healthcare has resulted in a significant elderly population. However, many hospitalized elderly individuals face chronic conditions leading to prolonged hospital stays, affecting their functionality and resulting in sarcopenia, primarily due to immobility during hospitalization. Women are more affected due to hormonal decline post-menopause, while men experience sarcopenia due to decreased testosterone. Prolonged bed rest can cause rapid muscle loss, even within a day of immobilization. The SARC-F is commonly used to diagnose sarcopenia, assessing muscle strength and function in various activities. However, its low sensitivity might affect diagnostic accuracy. Reviewed research reveals that hospitalization duration, comorbidities, and reduced physical activity are linked to sarcopenia in hospitalized elderly. Diverse assessment methods and a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria limit understanding and effective interventions for managing sarcopenia in these patients.