Sarcopenia in Peripheral Arterial Disease: Prevalence and Effect on Functional Status

Objectives: (1) To determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in older men with peripheral arterial disease (PAD); (2) to compare a subgroup of the group with age-, race-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched non-PAD control counterparts, and (3) to compare the functional status of those with PAD with and without sarcopenia. Design: Cohort study. Setting: Medical center. Participants: Sedentary community-dwelling men (N=108; age, >50y) with a confirmed diagnosis of PAD (44% blacks; BMI, 27.8 +/- 0.4kg/m(2); ankle-brachial index, .62 +/-.01). Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were used to assess appendicular lean mass and determine the prevalence of sarcopenia by/height(2). Treadmill tests were used to determine claudication onset time, peak walking time, and claudication recovery time. 6-Minute walk distance was also measured. Results: Sarcopenia prevalence in our PAD cohort was 25%. The PAD subgroup (n=42) matched with control counterparts in terms of race, sex, age, and BMI had higher prevalence rates than did their non-PAD counterparts (23.8% vs 2.4%; P<.05). Individuals with sarcopenia (n = 28) had a shorter 6-minute walk distance (326 +/- 18.8m vs 380 +/- 9.7m; P<.05) and higher claudication recovery time (592 +/- 98s vs 395 +/- 29s; P<.05) than did individuals with PAD but without sarcopenia (n = 80). There was no difference in claudication onset time or peak walking time between the PAD groups. Conclusions: Men with PAD demonstrate a high prevalence of sarcopenia. Those with sarcopenia and PAD demonstrate decreased mobility function. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine