Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in rheumatoid arthritis patients:prevalence and their relationship with joint damage and functional impairment
10.1016/j.afos.2025.10.004
- Author:
Iris Paola GUZMÁN-GUZMÁN
1
;
José Rafael VILLAFAN-BERNAL
;
Ilse Adriana GUTIÉRREZ-PÉREZ
;
Ramcés FALFÁN-VALENCIA
;
Héctor Ugo ROJAS-DELGADO
;
Antonio ALARCÓN-PAREDES
;
Andrés Felipe VILLAQUIRAN-HURTADO
;
Gustavo Adolfo ALONSO-SILVERIO
;
Oscar ZARAGOZA-GARCÍA
Author Information
1. Laboratory of Multidisciplinary Research and Biomedical Innovation, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
- Publication Type:Original article
- From:Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia
2025;11(4):145-151
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity are associated with a depletion of muscle mass, strength, and performance in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, as well as the clinical factors.
Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out with 262 patients suffering from RA (230 women and 32 men).Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, clinical features, and previous medication were recorded.Sarcopenia was defined based on the 2019 consensus of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The combi nation of sarcopenia and an excess of body fat mass was classified as sarcopenic obesity. Multivariable-adjusted regression analysis was used to explore potential factors associated with sarcopenia phenotypes in RA patients.
Results:Among the study participants, 49.6% had sarcopenia; of those, 66.9% had sarcopenic obesity. Subjects with sarcopenia were significantly older, had a longer duration of illness, more morning stiffness, higher radiological grade, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels. Additionally, female sex and the use of combinations of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were significantly more common in the sarcopenia group compared to patients without sarcopenia (all P < 0.05).
Conclusions:The prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity is high among Mexican patients with RA, and the current study shows that sarcopenia phenotypes are linked to worse functional impairment and significantly higher joint damage score. Early detection, nutritional intervention, and treatment of muscle dysfunction could enhance the quality of life and outcomes for RA patients.
