Usefulness of point-of-care ultrasound for rapid assessment of sarcopenia risk in inpatient frail older people: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Bedside ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a non-invasive, reliable, and practical tool for evaluating muscle mass since sarcopenia poses a significant threat to multimorbidity older people. The aim of the study was to evaluate sarcopenia risk among frail older inpatients using POCUS on rectus femoris muscle (RFM) and explore the relationship between these condition and clinical outcomes. An observational study was conducted including inpatients over 80 years old, admitted due to dyspnea during the winter–spring of 2024. POCUS was done with a 5-MHz convex probe device in RFM (middle point). We determined sarcopenia risk (SARC-F tool), FRAIL scale, handgrip strength, calf circumference (CC), body mass index (BMI), Charlson index (CI), nutritional status (MNA-SF), serum albumin, dependency degree (Barthel index), and quality of life with EQ5D5L questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS v.25.0. The study was approved by the ethics committee. Ultrasound sarcopenia was found in 33% of all participants. POCUS RFM muscle thickness showed moderate positive significant correlation with BMI (r = 0.32; p = 0.01), arm circumference (r = 0.38; p = 0.003), CC (r = 0.5; p < 0.001), and handgrip strength (r = 0.25; p = 0.04). Otherwise, POCUS RFM muscle thickness showed moderate or weak negative significant correlation with age (r = − 0.22; p = 0.05), CI (r = − 0.24; p = 0.01), dependence Barthel index (r = − 0.12; p = 0.05), nutritional status (r = − 0.18; p = 0.01), and frailty scale (r = − 0.19; p = 0.05). Integration of POCUS in comprehensive assessment of quality of life, sarcopenia, nutritional status, and frailty in the oldest old represents a promising approach. This study provides a foundation for implementation of routine sarcopenia screening and intervention programs in the clinical management of multimorbidity in older patients.