Systemic sclerosis & Raynaud's
Multiparametric assessment of sarcopenia in systemic sclerosis: prognostic implications and interplay with malnutrition
Authors' conclusion
Sarcopenia is frequent in SSc, closely associated with malnutrition, disability and mortality. Sarcopenia is an independent prognostic factor
Study context
- Population
- Consecutive adult systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients (86.8% female, mean age 62.3 years)
- Participants
- 204 patients
- Exposure
- Sarcopenic vs non-sarcopenic SSc patients
- Sarcopenicn = 54
- Outcome
- Sarcopenia prevalence (EWGSOP2)
Methodological detailsconsecutive patients, multidisciplinary same-day assessment, EWGSOP2 algorithm
- Consecutive patients
- Multidisciplinary same-day assessment
- EWGSOP2 algorithm
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Sarcopenia prevalence (EWGSOP2 stages)
At risk of sarcopenia
100
49%
Probable sarcopenia (reduced muscle strength)
89
43.6%
Confirmed sarcopenia (low muscle mass)
54
26.5%
Severe sarcopenia (impaired physical performance)
25
12.3%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Malnutrition (BIVA) by sarcopenia status
P < 0.001
Mortality by sarcopenia status · ≥12 months follow-up
P = 0.001
| Outcome | Estimate | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Association of sarcopenia with malnutrition | OR 5.69 | P < 0.001 |
| Sarcopenia as predictor of mortality · ≥12 months follow-upSarcopenia | HR 8.99 | P = 0.001 |
| Sarcopenia as predictor of mortality · ≥12 months follow-upSarcopenia · after adjustment for age | HR 4.09 | P = 0.04 |
Mortality by sarcopenia status · ≥12 months follow-up
- Reduced survival in sarcopenic patients, p<0.001
Age and HAQ by sarcopenia status
- Sarcopenic patients older, p<0.001
- Sarcopenic patients higher HAQ scores, p<0.001
Original publication
Multiparametric assessment of sarcopenia in systemic sclerosis: prognostic implications and interplay with malnutrition. Clin Exp Rheumatol. Published 15 September 2025. doi:10.
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