Association between the coexistence of premorbid sarcopenia, frailty, and disability and functional outcome in older patients with acute stroke

Aim To investigate the effects of coexisting conditions such as premorbid sarcopenia, frailty, and disability on functional outcomes in older patients with acute stroke. Methods This prospective cohort study included older patients (aged ≥65 years) hospitalized for acute stroke at a single neurosurgical hospital. Premorbid sarcopenia, frailty, and disability were diagnosed using the strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls (SARC‐F) questionnaire, frailty index, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) on admission. The primary outcome was the mRS score 3 months after stroke, and a poor outcome was defined as mRS ≥4. Results This study included 317 older patients with acute stroke (median [interquartile range] age: 76 [12] years). Premorbid sarcopenia, frailty, and disability (mRS = 2 or 3) were identified in 59 (19%), 27 (9%), and 54 (17%) patients, respectively. Two coexisting conditions were observed in 26 patients (8%), and three were observed in 18 patients (6%). Adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that coexisting conditions were independently associated with poor outcomes (one condition, adjusted OR: 3.20 [95%CI: 0.98–10.45]; two conditions, adjusted OR: 6.57 [95%CI: 1.74–24.87]; three conditions, adjusted OR: 12.70 [95%CI: 2.65–60.91]). Conclusions The coexistence of premorbid sarcopenia, frailty, and disability was associated with poor functional outcomes in older patients with acute stroke. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 642–647 .