Correlation Between Skeletal Muscle Mass Deficit and Poor Functional Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Aims: To date, the correlation between sarcopenia, which exists before a stroke, and acute stroke outcome remains partially understood. This study aims to evaluate the skeletal muscle mass deficit using the bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We enrolled 164 geriatric patients with acute ischemic stroke (108 males and 56 females) who underwent the bioelectrical impedance analysis. We evaluated clinical outcomes and their impact on patients with the skeletal muscle mass deficit determined using the skeletal muscle mass index. Results: The skeletal muscle mass deficit was obtained using the bioelectrical impedance analysis in 101 patients. Patients with the skeletal muscle mass deficit determined by the skeletal muscle mass index exhibited severe neurological impairment and functional status on admission; moreover, they tended to display poor functional outcome and prolonged hospital stay. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the skeletal muscle mass deficit remained an independent poor outcome predictor. Conclusions: This study establishes the presence of the skeletal muscle mass deficit in over half patients with acute ischemic stroke. Furthermore, the skeletal muscle mass deficit correlates with neurological impairment owing to stroke with poorer functional prognosis.