Sex-specific muscle and fat mass alterations in Vietnamese patients with spondyloarthritis

Context: Alterations in body composition, including decreased muscle mass and increased adiposity, are common in spondyloarthritis (SpA) and are hypothesized to result from inflammatory cytokines. Aims: To assess muscle-fat mass parameters and associated factors among SpA patients. Methods: A case-control study was performed involving 43 SpA patients and 71 matched controls. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to evaluate muscle and fat indices. Multivariable logistic regression determined associations with reduced appendicular skeleton muscle index and overfat status. Results: Male patients exhibited significantly reduced muscle indices and A/G ratio, while females presented increased fat parameters. Correlations with anthropometric and clinical factors were noted. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of sex-specific monitoring and tailored intervention strategies, including rehabilitation, dietary modification, and structured exercise programs.