Sarcopenia in Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease on Dialysis

Sarcopenia is characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass accompanied by a decline in muscle strength and/or physical performance. Sarcopenia may develop in patients with end-stage kidney disease due to multiple contributing factors, including uremia, malnutrition, reduced physical activity, chronic inflammation, and dialysis-related factors. In this population, sarcopenia is strongly associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality, underscoring the need for early diagnosis and timely intervention. This review was written to provide a comprehensive overview of sarcopenia pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and prevalence, and describe therapeutic strategies for sarcopenia in patients undergoing dialysis.