Correlation among sarcopenia, malnutrition and activities of daily living in patients with vertebral compression fractures: a comparison based on admission and discharge parameters evaluating these conditions

[Purpose] Sarcopenia may be associated with malnutrition in patients with vertebral compression fractures which may affect a patient’s functional prognosis. This study investigated the association between sarcopenia, malnutrition, and activities of daily living at the time of hospital discharge in patients with vertebral compression fractures. [Participants and Methods] The study included 36 patients who were hospitalized with vertebral compression fractures. Sarcopenia was assessed by measuring grip strength and calf circumference. The nutritional status was assessed at the time of hospital admission and at discharge using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form screening tool. Activities of daily living were assessed using the Barthel Index. [Results] The prevalence of sarcopenia at the time of admission was 47.2%. The Barthel Index and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form scores in patients with sarcopenia at the time of admission were significantly lower at discharge than to those in patients without sarcopenia. Overall, at discharge, weight and calf circumference decreased significantly with a consequent increase in the prevalence of sarcopenia (55.6%). Multivariate analysis showed that the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form score, calf circumference loss, and age affected the Barthel Index at discharge. [Conclusion] Patients with vertebral compression fractures often show sarcopenia and malnutrition, which are conditions that may be exacerbated during hospitalization. These conditions can subsequently affect a patient’s activities of daily living; thus, nutritional rehabilitation is important in patients with vertebral compression fractures, as demonstrated in this study.