Analysis of the Association between Sarcopenia Parameters and Falls in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study

IntroductionSarcopenia has been associated with an increased risk of falls in diverse populations. Patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have an increased prevalence of muscle weakness and wasting. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between parameters of sarcopenia and a history of falls in ESRD patients in HD. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was utilized to assess 111 participants with ESRD in HD (54 {+/-} 15.6 years; 59.5% men) in a tertiary hospital in Maringa-PR. Sarcopenia status was determined through the measure of muscle strength and mass. Muscle strength was assessed through hand grip strength utilizing a handheld dynamometer. Muscle mass was estimated through bioelectrical impedance. Falls history was assessed with the fifth question of the SARC-F questionnaire. Data normality was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. The association of the sarcopenia parameters with a falls history was analyzed with the chi-square test and Cramers V to measure effect size. ResultsNo association was found among the parameters of sarcopenia or its diagnosis and a history of falls in this population (p > 0.05). Participants who reported falling in the previous year were older (60 {+/-} 16.7 vs. 51 {+/-} 14.7 years, p = 0.01) and had a history of cerebrovascular disease (14.3% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.02). ConclusionFalls history was not associated with muscle strength or mass in ESRD patients in HD. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate other factors associated with this outcome.