Abstract
Sarcopenia is a health problem related to aging and changes in body composition, and are associated with poor prognosis for several clinical outcomes. The European Working Group (EWGSOP) define sarcopenia as loss of muscle mass, plus low muscle strength and/or low physical performance. The aim of this study was to determine the association of sarcopenia and mortality in elderly. The sample was composed by 745 community-dwelling individuals, 65 years old and older, living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who participated in FIBRA study. Their health habits, functional capacity, and anthropometric measures were analyzed. The present study diagnosed sarcopenia assessing usual gait speed, grip strength and muscle mass measured through anthropometry. Other covariates were assessed in order to test the independent association of sarcopenia with mortality. 70.3% were female, 61.9% Caucasian; average age: 76.6 (SD±6.9) years. In total, 222 individuals died during the seven years of follow-up (25.0%). Univariate analyses, Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test were significantly associated with mortality from sarcopenia (p< 0.001). However, in cox-regression multivariate model, after adjustment for other variables, only age, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and health self-perception were associated with mortality [OR: 9.4 (CI95% 3.6–24.2; p < 0.001); 1.7 (CI95% 1.01–3.1; p = 0.043); 3.1 (CI95% 1.26–7.59; p=0.013), respectively. In conclusion, in the present study sarcopenia was not associated with mortality.