Should we consider sarcopenia in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease? A preliminary cross-sectional analysis

Background: Pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently present an inadequate nutritional profile and musculoskeletal impairments. We investigated sarcopenia and its related traits in children and adolescents with CKD. Methods: A cross-sectional study that enrolled pediatric patients with CKD (≥ 4 and < 18 years old). Physical function was assessed by handgrip strength and the 60-s sit-to-stand (STS-60) tests. Body composition measurement was performed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and anthropometry through mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Normative reference values from healthy pediatrics were used for identifying poor physical function and low MUAC. Probable sarcopenia was considered as low handgrip strength, whereas sarcopenia was defined by adding low MUAC. Results: Twenty-two pediatric patients with CKD (11 ± 4 years and 59% boys) were evaluated; eight on peritoneal dialysis (36%), six on hemodialysis (27%), and eight non-dialysis (36%). Regarding sarcopenia traits, we observed low physical function by handgrip strength and STS-60 in 59% and 100% of the patients, respectively, while low MUAC in 77%. Probable sarcopenia was found in 9% and sarcopenia in 50%, but prevalence did not differ among stages. Handgrip strength was strongly associated with MUAC (r = 0.90; p < 0.001); on the other hand, the STS-60 was not significantly associated with any of the body composition variables. Conclusion: Among pediatric patients with CKD, the prevalence of sarcopenia and its related traits was high. Nephrology professionals should consider the assessment of sarcopenia in this population, while more evidence is needed to determine its prognostic value. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.