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Sarcopenia in cases of chronic and acute illness

A mini-review

Sarkopenie im Falle einer akuten oder chronischen Erkrankung

Eine Miniübersicht

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Zeitschrift für Gerontologie und Geriatrie Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Loss of muscle mass and muscle weakness are often found in cases of acute or chronic illness in elderly patients. Sarcopenia is a risk factor for complications and higher mortality. Based on an exact diagnosis and knowledge of the risk factors for developing sarcopenia, it is now possible to improve the prognosis by providing effective treatment options.

Methods

This review was carried out based on a PubMed search in the period from 1998 to 2015 using original articles and reviews and posting the terms “sarcopenia”, “elderly” and “acute illness”.

Conclusion

Given the evidence from the current literature, in the case of acute illness it is feasible to identify patients at risk, diagnose sarcopenia and prescribe a multidimensional treatment program to prevent or treat sarcopenia even in the bustling environment of geriatric wards or institutions.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Muskelschwund und Muskelschwäche sind häufige Begleiter einer akuten oder chronischen Erkrankung im Alter. Sarkopenie ist ein Risikofaktor für erhöhte Komplikationsraten und erhöhter Mortalität. Auf einer exakten Diagnose und des Wissens über die Risikofaktoren für die Entwicklung einer Sarkopenie ist es heute möglich, effektive Behandlungsmethoden anzuwenden, um die Prognose zu verbessern.

Methode

Es erfolgte eine Pub Med-Literaturrecherche von Originalarbeiten und Übersichtsarbeiten in der Periode von 1998 bis 2015, basierend auf der Verwendung der Begriffe “Sarkopenie”, “akute Erkrankung” und “Ältere”.

Schlussfolgerung

Gemäß der aktuellen Literatur ist es möglich, auch in der geschäftigen Umgebung von medizinischen Einrichtungen für Ältere, im Falle einer akuten Erkrankung das Risiko für eine Sarkopenie zu erkennen, exakt zu diagnostizieren und umfassend zu behandeln.

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  1. Department of Acute Geriatrics, Salzkammergutklinikum Gmunden, Miller von Aichholzstraße 49, 4810, Gmunden, Austria

    Peter Dovjak

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Dovjak, P. Sarcopenia in cases of chronic and acute illness. Z Gerontol Geriat 49, 100–106 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00391-015-0986-9

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