#2625 Impact of sarcopenia on hospitalization and mortality in patients on maintenance hemodialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Sarcopenia refers to the loss of muscle mass and is a multi-factorial and prevalent complication among patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). This study aimed to investigate the impact of sarcopenia on one-year hospitalization and mortality in these patients. Method This prospective observational study was conducted on patients on MHD, with and without sarcopenia, from December 2021 to December 2022. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the presence of low muscle mass, assessed by quadriceps muscle ultrasound, and low muscle strength, assessed by handgrip strength. Sociodemographic and medical data, including the duration of hemodialysis (HD) and comorbidities, were collected. Anthropometric measurements, including body mass index, mid-arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness, were recorded. Routine laboratory data, including white blood cell count, hemoglobin, serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, albumin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and intact parathyroid hormone, were collected from patient records. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was measured using carotid duplex. Patients were followed for one year for hospitalization and mortality. Results The study included 50 patients with sarcopenia and 37 without. Twelve patients (14%) died during the study period. There was no significant difference in one-year mortality between patients with and without sarcopenia (41.7% vs. 58.3%, P = 0.948). Additionally, one-year hospitalization rates showed no significant difference between patients with and without sarcopenia (13.5% vs. 10.9%, P = 0.713). Non-surviving patients were significantly older than surviving patients (59.5 vs. 46 years, P = 0.022). The duration of HD was significantly longer in non-surviving patients compared to surviving ones (11 vs. 7 years, P = 0.001). Blood hemoglobin, TIBC, and serum albumin levels were significantly lower in non-surviving patients compared to surviving ones (P = 0.033, P = 0.031, and P = 0.003, respectively). CIMT was significantly greater in non-surviving compared to surviving patients (0.92 vs 0.80 mm, respectively, P = 0.015) [Table 1]. Binary logistic regression of mortality revealed that the duration of HD was the only significant predictor of mortality (OR = 1.317, P = 0.025) [Table 2]. Conclusion Older age, longer HD duration, low blood hemoglobin, low serum albumin, low TIBC, and greater CIMT were significantly associated with mortality. However, sarcopenia appeared to have no impact on one-year hospitalization or mortality. Multicenter studies with larger patient populations and longer follow-up periods are recommended.