5/13/2024
A new study suggests that individuals with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) may experience sarcopenia, a progressive decline in muscle mass and strength, at a relatively young age. The study appeared in European Geriatric Medicine, and its researchers conclude that AS patients should begin early interventions to develop muscle tissue and promote healthier aging.
Muscle mass typically diminishes as people age, often starting around age 40. It diminishes more quickly in people who are inactive. Inflammation can also lead to faster progression of sarcopenia. In AS, chronic inflammation leads to joint damage in the spine, causing pain and stiffness that can result in a less active lifestyle. To understand the prevalence of sarcopenia in AS patients, researchers in Italy reviewed 14 studies involving 1,233 adults from nine countries, including 596 diagnosed with AS.
Among five studies on sarcopenia, three adhered to recent diagnostic guidelines. A 2023 French study involving 53 patients with axial spondyloarthritis found sarcopenia in about 21% of patients, compared to 7% in controls, with an average patient age of 43.6. A 2022 Portuguese study noted low muscle mass and strength but no sarcopenia in young patients. Conversely, a Thai study reported a high sarcopenia prevalence of 85.6% among 104 AS patients, averaging 42 years old, particularly those who were older and slimmer.
Further, a 2018 study indicated that pre-sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass without strength loss, was more common in AS than other arthritis types. A 2016 study found pre-sarcopenia more prevalent than sarcopenia in patients with active AS.
Other research highlighted that AS patients generally had lower muscle mass and strength compared to healthy individuals. However, handgrip strength varied, showing no significant difference between AS patients and controls in two studies.
The study has several limitations, according to its researchers. For instance, it does not examine how biologics affect muscle health. In addition, only two studies used the latest guidelines for diagnosing sarcopenia, leading to inconsistent data on its prevalence in AS patients. Finally, most of the research was done in high-income countries, which does not represent the world’s demographics.
Still, the researchers assert that their findings suggest that sarcopenia can develop early in AS patients. They believe their findings underscore the importance of regular physical activity, especially strength training, to ensure overall muscle health.
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