Calf circumference predicts sarcopenia in maintenance hemodialysis

Abstract Background Early recognition of sarcopenia in hemodialysis (HD) patients will be of great importance in preventing adverse outcomes and improving the quality of life in these patients. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of calf circumference (CC) measurement in detecting sarcopenia among CKD patients undergoing maintenance HD. Methods This cross‐sectional study included 52 patients (53 ± 17 years) who were currently in a maintenance HD. Muscle strength was evaluated using handgrip strength, and smooth muscle mass index (SMI) was assessed through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and CC was measured at the widest part of the calf with the foot pressed against a hard surface. Results Out of the total patient population, sarcopenia was identified in 32.7% ( n = 17). The two groups were comparable in terms of age, weight, and height, but the median body mass index of sarcopenic group was statistically lower than nonsarcopenic group (21.6 kg/m 2 [18.9–24.6] vs 24.7 kg/m 2 [21.4–27.3]. The sarcopenic group had a substantially smaller CC than the nonsarcopenic group (30.0 cm [26.5–32.0] vs 31.5 cm [30.3–34.8], P = 0.013; respectively). In the regression analysis, CC was found to be independently associated with post‐HD SMI ( P < 0.001; odds ratio, 1.938; and 95% CI, 1.020–2.856). CC was positively but weakly correlated with handgrip strength, however strong and significant correlation was found between CC and SMI ( r = 0.277, P = 0.047 and r = 0.733, P < 0.001; respectively). A CC of 31 cm or less predicted confirmed sarcopenia in HD patients (area under the curve = 0.709, P = 0.006, specificity = 0.556, sensitivity = 0.765). Conclusions Low muscle mass and potentially low muscle strength in HD patients can be accurately identified through the use of CC measurements. Specifically, a CC measurement below 31 cm has found to be a useful indicator to identify individuals on maintenance HD.