Sarcopenia. An entity of current clinical relevance in elderly

Abstract

Sarcopenia is defined as the progressive and gradual loss of mass, function and strength of skeletal muscle that occurs during the aging process. It is still in discussion to what extent it should be considered a deleterious effect of age itself or a geriatric syndrome with negative clinical, functional impairment and disability. What is really important is that the loss of skeletal muscle mass contributes to increase the risk of physical disability, frailty, loss of independence, poor quality of life, increased costs for health care and increased mortality of the elderly. Its etiology is complex and multifactorial. Recently, several research groups have focused on the study of sarcopenia, due to the impact on health and functionality of the elderly. The aim of this review is to examine available information on the conceptualization, definition, and methods of diagnosis of sarcopenia. Also to describe methods for the determination of skeletal muscle mass by imaging techniques like MRI and dual energy absorptiometry X-ray (DXA). Its estimate is considered through analysis of bio-electrical impedance prediction equations. Additionaly, we describe cutoff points that have been used more frequently for the diagnosis of sarcopenia, showing their prevalence in epidemiological studies and current treatment options