Sarcopenia solid organ transplant

Abstract

Initially used to describe the loss of muscle mass that occurs with aging, sarcopenia has also been associated with various chronic diseases, including patients with end stage organ disease awaiting organ transplantation. Sarcopenia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality before and after organ transplantation and it is considered an important prognostic clinical marker in this population. Long term adverse events associated with persistent sarcopenia have not been well studied and it is not clear which interventions might reduce its prevalence and associated complications. The following review article highlights the current understanding of the prevalence and clinical relevance of sarcopenia in solid organ transplantation as well as possible treatment modalities.