Sarcopenia and associated factors in maintenance hemodialysis patients in Vietnam: A cross-sectional study

Sarcopenia is a prevalent complication among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), contributing to increased mortality, decreased quality of life, and higher healthcare costs. Despite its clinical significance, research on sarcopenia in MHD patients remains limited in Vietnam. This study aims to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated factors among MHD patients. This cross-sectional study included 106 patients undergoing MHD at Ho Chi Minh City’s Hospital for Rehabilitation – Professional Diseases, Vietnam. Sarcopenia was assessed using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria, including handgrip strength, 6-meter walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass index measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 14.0, and factors associated with sarcopenia were analyzed using prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among the study participants, 44 (41.5%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Older age (≥60 years; P  < .001, PR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.22–0.58), unemployment ( P  = .003, PR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06–0.56), dialysis vintage ( P  = .037, PR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.03–2.58), cardiovascular disease ( P  = .020, PR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.09–2.58), low body mass index (<18.5 kg/m 2 ; P  = .011, PR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.14–2.79), and low serum albumin levels (<35 g/L; P  = .007, PR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.18–2.74) were significant associated with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is highly prevalent among MHD patients and is associated with older age, unemployment, dialysis vintage, cardiovascular disease, low body mass index, and low serum albumin levels. These findings highlight the need for early screening, nutritional interventions, and physical activity programs to mitigate the progression of sarcopenia in this population.