Navigating sarcopenia in COVID-19 patients and survivors: Understanding the long-term consequences, transitioning from hospital to community with mechanisms and interventions for future preparedness

Mohammad Reza Shadmand Foumani Moghadam; Amirmohammad Vaezi; Sajedeh Jandari; Asie Araste; Reza Rezvani

doi:10.1002/agm2.12287

Navigating sarcopenia in COVID-19 patients and survivors: Understanding the long-term consequences, transitioning from hospital to community with mechanisms and interventions for future preparedness

Aging Med (Milton). 2024 Feb 6;7(1):103-114. doi: 10.1002/agm2.12287. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Authors

Mohammad Reza Shadmand Foumani Moghadam¹, Amirmohammad Vaezi², Sajedeh Jandari³, Asie Araste³, Reza Rezvani³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietitian, Emam Reza Hospital Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran.
² Department of Biology Kavian Higher Education Institute Mashhad Iran.
³ Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Mashhad Iran.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused widespread devastation, with millions of confirmed cases and deaths worldwide. Although there were efforts made to develop treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, the coexistence of sarcopenia, a muscle disorder, has been largely overlooked. It is while new variants of this disease (eg, BA.2.86) are challenging the current protocols. Sarcopenia is associated with increased mortality and disability, and shares common mechanisms with COVID-19, such as inflammation, hormonal changes, and malnutrition. This can worsen the effects of both conditions. Furthermore, survived patients with COVID-19 who have elevated risk, as well as aging, which increases the process of sarcopenia. Therefore, addressing sarcopenia in patients with COVID-19 and surviving individuals can be crucial for improving outcomes and preventing long-term disability. During hospital stays, assessing sarcopenia through indicators like muscle wasting and malnutrition is important. Nutritional interventions, such as malnutrition screening and enteral feeding, play a critical role in preventing sarcopenia in hospitals. Mental health and physical activity evaluations and interventions are also necessary. Even after recovering from COVID-19, there is a risk of developing sarcopenia, requiring continued monitoring. Nutrition and physical activity considerations are vital for prevention and management, necessitating tailored training programs and diet therapy. Mental health should not be overlooked, with regular screening, and community-based interventions. Infrastructure should support physical activity, and mental health services must become more accessible. Community engagement through support groups and peer networks can foster resilience and social connection. Efforts are needed to promote healthy diets and ensure access to nutritious foods.

Keywords: COVID‐19; SARS‐CoV‐2; mechanism; nutrition; sarcopenia.

Publication types

Review