Sarcopenia in trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis and mortality following injury. This systematic review and metaanalysis 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 8692 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 %, I2 = 97.8 %], with a 39.3% prevalence (95% CI: 31.0-48.5 %, I2 = 96.8%) in men and a 39.0% prevalence (95% CI: 31.4-46.2 %, I2 = 94.4%) in women. Trauma patients with sarcopenia were more prone to complications [risk ratio (RR): 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03-1.31, I2 = 45.8%] and less able to discharge independently (RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63-0.86, I2 = 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.