Applicability and clinical significance of the SarQoL (Sarcopenia Quality of Life) tool in peritoneal dialysis patients: A preliminary report

Introduction/objectives: Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, is highly prevalent in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), significantly affecting their quality of life (QoL). The SarQoL questionnaire, a newly validated tool for assessing the impact of sarcopenia on QoL, has never been evaluated in PD patients. This study aimed to explore its applicability and relevance in this population. Methods: Thirty-two adult PD patients were recruited. Sarcopenia risk was assessed using the SARC-F questionnaire, anthropometric measures (e.g., skinfold thickness, body composition), and functional tests (handgrip strength, 30 sec. chair-stand test). Correlations with the SarQoL score were thus explored. Results: The mean SarQoL score was 70.95 ± 15.96, indicating a low to mildly impaired QoL related to sarcopenia. Patients on automated PD (APD) scored significantly higher than those on continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD; p<0.0001). Strong inverse relationships were observed between SarQoL and SARC-F scores (r = -0.77, p<0.0001) and age (r = -0.50, p =0.003). Additionally, the SarQoL score was correlated with diastolic blood pressure (r=0.50, p=0.003), serum albumin (r=0.47, p=0.006), diuresis (r=0.46, p=0.007), number of stands at the chair test (r=0.46, p=0.02), and body fat percentage (r=-0.34, p=0.05). Conclusion: The SarQoL questionnaire may be useful for evaluating sarcopenia's impact on well-being in PD patients. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings in wider cohorts and to explore longitudinal changes in SarQoL scores in response to interventions.