Asociación entre medidas clínicas para el diagnóstico de osteosarcopenia con funcionalidad y mortalidad en adultos mayores: estudio longitudinal

Introduction: Osteosarcopenia is a new geriatric syndrome that could negatively impact the functionality and quality of life of older adults. However, diagnostic assessments of body composition and physical function are still unclear. Aim: To determine the association between clinical measures for the diagnosis of osteosarcopenia with functionality and mortality in independent older adults. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal observational study with 242 older adults (age: 68 ± 6 years; women: 69%) from Londrina, Brazil. The clinical measures for the diagnosis of osteosarcopenia were fat free mass index (FFMI); appendicular lean mass (ALM); calf circumference (CC); phase angle (PA); handgrip strength (HGS) and bone mineral density (BMD). Incremental shuttle walking; test 6-minute walk text; one-legged stance test; sit-to-stand test and mortality in 5 and 9 years were assessed. Correlation and regression analysis were done. Results: Correlations were observed between the clinical variables of osteosarcopenia with functionality (r from -0,44 to 0,36) and mortality (r from 0,17 hasta 0,26) in both sexes. The predictors of 5-year mortality were PA (HR: 0,38) and BMD (HR: 0,59) for women, and PA (HR: 0,61) for men. The 9-year mortality predictors were the PA (HR: 0,41) and BMD (HR: 0,56) for women and the CC (HR: 0,87) and (HR: 0,39) for men. Conclusions: Clinical measures for the diagnosis of osteosarcopenia calf circumference, phase angle, bone mineral density and handgrip strength were associated with functionality and mortality at 5 and 9 years in older adults. Therefore, it should be included in the geriatric evaluation carried out by the health team.