Aging Clin Exp Res. Laure M G Verstraeten et al.

Background: Sarcopenia is prevalent in 20-50% of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients, but it is often undiagnosed.

Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) to measure muscle mass in routine clinical care in a cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients.

Methods: REStORing Health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) is an observational, longitudinal inception cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. BIA was implemented at admission and discharge as routine care performed by nursing staff. BIA feasibility was defined as completion rate (low ≤ 25%, moderate > 25- ≤ 50%, good > 50- ≤ 75%, excellent > 75%), reasons for non-completion and need for remeasurement. Clinical characteristics associated with BIA completion and remeasurements were assessed.

Results: Patients (n = 1890, 56% females) had a median age of 83.4 years (interquartile range: [77.6-88.4]). Of the total cohort, 5.7% had a contraindication (pacemaker/other electronic medical device) for BIA at admission and 4.5% at discharge. BIA was completed in 77.1% of patients eligible for BIA at admission and 63.2% at discharge indicating good feasibility; remeasurement was required in 7.4 and 6.9%, respectively; 5.9% had a medical reason preventing BIA completion at admission and 3.7% at discharge. Refusal and technical issues occurred in 1.6 and 0.7% at admission and 2.1 and 1.8% at discharge. Reason for non-completion was unknown/missing in 14.7% at admission and 28.6% at discharge. Worse functional and physical performance was associated with BIA non-completion and remeasurement.

Conclusions: BIA in routine clinical care in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients is feasible; completion rates may be enhanced further by reviewing barriers and enablers.