Work

Sarcopenia (defined by low muscle mass) as a predictor of disease progression and mortality in cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome reflects the interconnected nature of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic dysfunction. Sarcopenia, or the loss of skeletal muscle mass, is linked to adverse outcomes in chronic diseases, but its role within the CKM framework remains poorly defined. This study aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia, CKM syndrome severity, and mortality risk. METHODS: This study analyzed data from 5,925 adults (aged ≥ 20 years) across eight NHANES cycles (1999-2006, 2011-2018). Sarcopenia was defined using FNIH criteria based on DXA-derived muscle mass. CKM syndrome staging followed the AHA classification. Multinomial and ordinal logistic regression examined the relationship between sarcopenia and CKM stage. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the impact of sarcopenia on all-cause, cardiovascular (CVD), and non-CVD mortality. Sensitivity analysis was performed to confirm robustness. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 125.47 (0.94) months, 851 deaths occurred. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with increased odds of advanced CKM stages: (OR: 2.236, 95% CI: 1.594-3.135), stage 3 (OR: 3.332, 95% CI: 2.001-5.548) and stage 4 (OR: 3.495, 95% CI: 2.157-5.662), compared to Stage 1. Sarcopenia also predicted higher mortality risks in patients with CKM stage 1-4: all-cause mortality (HR: 1.527, 95% CI: 1.274-1.831), CVD mortality (HR: 1.903, 95% CI: 1.299-2.788) and non-CVD mortality (HR: 1.407, 95% CI: 1.124-1.762). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is strongly linked to CKM syndrome severity and is a predictor of mortality across CKM stages. These findings suggest that assessing and managing sarcopenia could offer a valuable strategy to mitigate disease progression and improve survival in individuals with CKM syndrome.

Source: Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome

DOI: 10.1186/s13098-025-01943-x

Author: Diar Zooravar

Institution: Iran University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Nutrition and Health in Aging

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890