Hormonal and metabolic status of centenarians diagnosed with sarcopenia: Prospective, Observational Study

RELEVANCE: Sarcopenia is one of the leading geriatric syndromes that increases the risk of disability, falls and injuries. This syndrome is of particular importance for centenarians aged 90 years and older, for whom a detailed analysis of the course of sarcopenia has not previously been carried out and the hormonal and metabolic characteristics of this condition have not been described.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze the features of hormonal and metabolic status in nonagenarians with sarcopenia and to identify factors that increase the risk of developing this condition

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 2221 people over the age of 90 years. Study participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment during a visit with a doctor and nurse, as well as blood tests to measure a number of metabolic and hormonal parameters. Statistical data analysis was carried out using the R programming language  version 4.2.2.

RESULTS: Apolipoprotein A1, free triiodothyronine, vitamin D, albumin, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, red blood cells and hematocrit were significantly associated with the presence of sarcopenia. In a survival analysis of people with sarcopenia, the strongest protective factors for participants with sarcopenia were any physical activity and increasing free T3. Malnutrition is the leading destructive factor.

CONCLUSION: Hormonal metabolic status, in particular low concentrations of vitamin D, triiodothyronine, albumin, and apolipoprotein A1, largely determines the presence of sarcopenia in centenarians, but when assessing risks, it is necessary to take into account a number of other important parameters, such as physical activity and nutritional  status.

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