Sarcopenia in trauma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis and mortality following injury. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyze diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, as well as to assess its prevalence and impact on health outcomes among trauma patients.

We conducted a literature search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 2023. A total of 27 studies were included, involving 8,692 individuals (55.5% men) with a mean age ranging from 42.2 to 80.5 years.

The pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in trauma patients was 36.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.1-43.0%, I = 97.8%], with a 39.3% prevalence (95% CI: 31.0-48.5%, I = 96.8%) in men and a 39.0% prevalence (95% CI: 31.4-46.2%, I = 94.4%) in women. Trauma patients with sarcopenia were more prone to complications [risk ratio (RR): 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.31, I = 45.8%] and less able to discharge independently (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63-0.86, I = 33.3%).

The risk of death in trauma patients with sarcopenia was higher than in non-sarcopenic patients [hazard ratio (HR): 1.64, 95% CI: 1.31-2.04]. Sarcopenia is commonly present in trauma patients and has a negative impact on prognosis.

Early assessment and interventions for sarcopenia should be conducted in trauma patients.