The frequency of sarcopenia in HIV patients: Effects on functional performance

Aim: The present study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (HIV) patients and to evaluate functional performance.Material and Methods: 67 patients with HIV and 50 healthy control were included in the study. For detection for sarcopenia, the thighs of both lower extremities were measured using the Modified Sonographic Tight Adjustment Ratio (STAR) method, which was obtained by adding the bilateral rectus femoris and vastus intermedius muscle thicknesses measured by ultrasound. Hand muscle strength (HMS) was measured with a dynamometer. Knee Muscle strength (KMS) was measured isokinetic muscle testing. Physical performance was determined using timed up-and-go test (TUGT), 5-repetition sit-to-stand test (5RSTS), and 6-min walk test (6MWT). Results:According to the STAR values calculated based on body mass index, sarcopenia was present in 10 (17.5%) of 57 male patients. Sarcopenia was not detected in female patients. There was no significant difference with respect to demographic characteristics among the two groups. HMS, KMS, TUGT, 5RSTS and 6MWT values were significantly different in two groups (p