Influence of Sarcopenia on the Course and Prognosis in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Purpose of the study: to evaluate and compare the main anthropometric, echocardiographic parameters and survival between a group of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and sarcopenia and a group of patients with CHF without sarcopenia. Materials and methods: 69 patients with chronic heart failure were examined, who were divided into two groups during the examination. The main group (n=36) is represented by patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and sarcopenia. Patients with CHF without sarcopenia (n=33) were studied as a control group. The study was conducted on the basis of the Department and Clinic of Hospital Therapy of the Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov. (St. Petersburg). The indicators were re-evaluated after 12 months. Evaluation of indicators in dynamics after 12 months was carried out taking into account the withdrawn patients. Results and Discussion: During the study, a statistically significant intergroup difference was demonstrated. Thus, patients in the CHF and sarcopenia group significantly differ in lower anthropometric parameters such as height, weight, muscle mass and strength compared to the control group. At the same time, analyzing the indicators of the morphofunctional state of the heart according to echocardiography data, it was demonstrated that there was a statistical decrease in the ejection fraction in dynamics after 12 months in the main group compared to the control group. However, no differences were found at baseline. Survival of patients in the CHF group without sarcopenia is higher than in the group of patients with CHF and sarcopenia. There were no intergroup differences in the causes of death. Conclusion: As a result of the assessment and intergroup comparison, data were obtained indicating a statistically significant effect of sarcopenia on such anthropometric indicators as height, weight, muscle mass and strength. In addition, in the main group there was a statistically significant decrease in the ejection fraction in dynamics after 12 months compared with the control group. The survival rate of patients with CHF and sarcopenia is lower than in the group of patients with CHF without sarcopenia.