EAMA Sarcopenia in Acute Care Patients in 9+European Countries

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This collaborative study in 9 geriatrics units across Europe aims to apply emerging research to clinical practice, following the Action-Research Philosophy (11). The overall goal is to improve care in patients with - and help prevent - sarcopenia. Understanding the frequency of and risk factors for developing sarcopenia in an acute hospital setting, may help shed light on potential interventions and thus inform the development of future therapeutic strategies. It involves crucial implications for research, clinical practice, and policy towards optimal aging.

Detailed Description
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Background: Sarcopenia is a nutrition-related disease leading to physical impairment and adverse clinical outcomes. Data regarding its characteristics in hospitalized patients are limited. Aim: This study will assess in older patients admitted to acute medical wards, the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for development of sarcopenia, or alteration in its severity, and evaluate associated clinical adverse outcomes. Methods: This collaboratively-designed, longitudinal prospective observational study will be carried out in patients aged >70 admitted to acute geriatric units in 9 European centers. The new sarcopenia diagnostic criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia 2 (EWGSOP2) will be tested at admission and discharge, using isometric handgrip dynamometry, gait speed, and, pragmatically, calf circumference. There will be 3- and 12-month telephone follow-up (including the SARC-F questionnaire). Discussion: Our study will be the first collaboration to assess the prevalence and incidence of sarcopenia (EWGSOP2) and its risk factors in hospitalized patients across Europe.

Official Title
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Sarcopenia in Acute Care Patients: Protocol for the European Collaboration of Geriatric Surveys: Sarcopenia 9+ European Academy for Medicine of Ageing (EAMA) Project

Conditions
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Sarcopenia, Malnutrition

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Observational study, no interventions expected


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Patients aged >70 admitted to acute hospital medical units Exclusion Criteria: Length of hospital stay anticipated to be <24 hours Hip/lower limb fractures Major amputations of the lower leg Terminally ill patients admitted for palliative care

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Other: Observational study, no interventions expected|No interventions are planned|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prevalence of sarcopenia as defined by the European consensus on definition and diagnosis (EWGSOP2) | Prevalence sarcopenia in acute hospitalized older patients. | One year (March 2019-March 2020) | 
| Incidence of sarcopenia as defined by the European consensus on definition and diagnosis (EWGSOP2) | Incidence of sarcopenia in acute hospitalized older patients. | One year (March 2019-March 2020) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Sarcopenia, Malnutrition, EWGSOP2, Older people, Acute care, Hospitalized