Sarcopenia in rheumatological practice. The state of the problem in Ukraine and the world
Tsokalo Y.V., Zbarashchenko-Hasan M.I.
Summary. Sarcopenia is a systemic progressive disease of the musculoskeletal system characterized by a generalized decrease in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function and associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures, disability, and mortality. In recent years, sarcopenia has been considered not only as an age-related syndrome, but also as an important comorbid condition in chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly rheumatic pathology. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is of particular interest, as systemic inflammation, pain, and limited mobility contribute to the early development of muscle dysfunction. The objective: summarize current data on the prevalence, risk factors, pathogenetic mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of sarcopenia in the world and in Ukraine, as well as to analyze the features of skeletal muscle mass and function decline in ankylosing spondylitis. Materials and methods. A review of scientific publications in domestic and foreign print and electronic sources was conducted. Methods of systematic analysis, comparison, and generalization of the results of clinical and epidemiological studies were used. Results. The article presents current data on the prevalence of sarcopenia in different regions of the world and in Ukraine. The relationship with age, gender, level of physical activity, and the presence of chronic diseases was analyzed, as well as the characteristics of sarcopenia development in rheumatic diseases, particularly in AS, which is associated with high inflammatory activity, poorer functional indicators, and a reduced quality of life. The main risk factors and clinical consequences of sarcopenia are identified. Current approaches to screening, diagnosis, and treatment of sarcopenia, including physical rehabilitation, nutritional support, and promising pharmacological strategies, are summarized. Conclusions. Sarcopenia is a common and clinically significant condition that significantly complicates the course of ankylosing spondylitis and other rheumatic diseases. In Ukraine, the problem of sarcopenia, particularly in patients with AS, remains understudied, necessitating the implementation of systematic screening, an interdisciplinary approach to patient management, and further research to optimize the prevention and treatment of this condition.
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