Sepsis-associated sarcopenia: Emerging insights into mechanisms and therapeutic approaches

As medical treatment advances, a growing proportion of sepsis patients survive from their initial critical illness. However, excessive treatment and diminished quality of life after discharge raise substantial concerns. Sarcopenia affects 40%–70% of sepsis survivors, manifesting as flaccid weakness in the extremities and diaphragm. This condition typically resolves within weeks or months, but in some cases, recovery does not occur and may last for 2 years after intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. Consequently, sepsis patients with sarcopenia face an unfavorable long-term influence, and they also consume considerable medical resources. The mechanisms and treatments of sepsis-associated sarcopenia (SASP) are increasingly recognized as research priorities. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of molecular mechanisms, measuring parameters, and therapeutic approaches for SASP.