Sarcopenia Prevalence and Predictors in Non-malignant Chronic Respiratory Disease Patients: A Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study

<bold>Background:</bold> Sarcopenia is a significant comorbidity in patients with non-malignant chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), yet current guidelines do not recommend routine screening for sarcopenia in these patients. This study assesses the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in non-malignant CRDs in outpatient settings. <bold>Methods:</bold> We conducted a prospective analysis on patients with non-malignant CRDs, including COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, and ILD, at two medical centers in Taiwan between March 1 and October 1, 2023. Participants were screened for sarcopenia using a frailty questionnaire, the SARC-Calf score, and grip strength, following the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 (EWGSOP2) diagnostic guidelines. <bold>Results:</bold> Out of the 148 participants who met at least one criterion for sarcopenia risk, the distribution was 30.4% with asthma, 30.4% with COPD, and 34.5% with fibrotic ILD. Among 148 patients screened, 29.7% were found to have sarcopenia, and 26.4% were severely sarcopenic. The SARC-Calf score and grip strength were effective in distinguishing between non-sarcopenic, sarcopenic, and severely sarcopenic patients (p<0.001). Severely sarcopenic patients diminished physical performance, as evidenced by shorter in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), fewer one-minute sit-to-stand repetitions, and higher Borg scale scores post-exercise. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Sarcopenia is prevalent in patients with non-malignant CRDs, highlighting the utility of grip strength and the SARC-Calf score for early screening.