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Sarcopenia : what’s new in 2014 ?
Beaudart C. , Gillain S. , Petermans J. , Reginster J-Y. , Bruyère O.
Rev Med Liege 2014, 69(5-6),251-257Abstract : The term “sarcopenia” was first introduced in 1989 by Irwin Rosenberg to define a progressive and generalized loss of muscle mass and muscle strength with advancing age. Above certain thresholds, that loss of muscle mass and muscle strength is considered abnormal. Despite the progress of scientific knowledge, a universally accepted definition of sarcopenia is still lacking to date. Therefore, it is a real challenge to establish the prevalence of sarcopenia because the results highly depend on the definition used for its diagnosis . This geriatric syndrome represents a public health issue with multiple clinical consequences. Loss of autonomy and quality of life, altered functional status, increase of fatigue, falls and a higher mortality rate are well-known consequences of sarcopenia. Although many pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutical strategies seem to have a positive impact on muscle strength and muscle mass, very few studies have yet assessed the effects of those treatments on sarcopenia itself. Therefore, developing high-quality interventional studies, in this field, seem necessary.
