Malnutrition, Acute Sarcopenia and Wasting Syndromes during Hospital Stay

Dear Colleagues,

Despite acute disease resolutions, more than half of older people do not to recover preadmission functional levels after hospitalization. Bedrest and inflammation can cause acute sarcopenia, which is a risk factor for nosocomial-related disability. Mechanisms underpinning acute sarcopenia, its long-term consequences, screening and treatments have not yet been completely clarified.

It has recently become evident that the preservation of muscle health and functional status during hospital stay would be of paramount importance for older people. In this vulnerable population, hospitalizations represent major risks for adverse outcomes. Despite acute disease resolution, more than half of older people do not recover preadmission functional levels, even 1 year after hospital discharge. Moreover, their risk of novel disabilities, institutionalization and death increases after hospital discharge.

Poor patient mobility is one of the main causes of the development of nosocomial-related disability. Bedrest can induce skeletal muscle loss both in young and (to a greater extent) older individuals. In addition, inflammation, immune–endocrine dysregulations and reduced caloric intake further concur to acute muscle insufficiency during hospital stay. When this muscle insufficiency satisfies the criteria for the diagnosis of sarcopenia, it is named acute sarcopenia. Few studies have evaluated acute sarcopenia thus far, and further research on this topic is needed. 

Dr. Sarah Damanti
Guest Editor

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