Acute Sarcopenia: Mechanisms and Management

Abstract

Background: Acute sarcopenia refers to the swift decline in muscle function and mass following acute events such as illness, surgery, trauma, or burns that presents significant challenges in hospitalized older adults.

Methods: narrative review to describe the mechanisms and management of acute sarcopenia.

Results: The prevalence of acute sarcopenia ranges from 28% to 69%, likely underdiagnosed due to the absence of muscle mass and function assessments in most clinical settings. Systemic inflammation, immune-endocrine dysregulation, and anabolic resistance are identified as key pathophysiological factors. Interventions include early mobilization, resistance exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and nutritional strategies such as protein supplementation, leucine, β-hydroxy-β-methyl-butyrate, omega-3 fatty acids, and creatine monohydrate. Pharmaceuticals show variable efficacy.

Conclusions: Future research should prioritize serial monitoring of muscle parameters, identification of predictive biomarkers, and the involvement of multidisciplinary teams from hospital admission to address sarcopenia. Early and targeted interventions are crucial to improve outcomes and prevent long-term disability associated with acute sarcopenia.

Keywords: acute sarcopenia; hospitalization; muscle wasting.

Figure 1

Main modifications in aging muscles.

Figure 2

Patterns of acute and chronic sarcopenia throughout the lifespan.

Figure 3

Predisposing and precipitating risk factors for acute sarcopenia.

Figure 4

Consequences of acute sarcopenia.

Figure 4

Consequences of acute sarcopenia.