Evaluation of handgrip strength as a predictor of sarcopenia in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis

Abstract Background Sarcopenia, characterised by a loss of muscle strength, quantity/quality, and physical performance, is associated with increased mortality poor clinical outcomes in patients liver cirrhosis. The use the currently accepted methods for estimating mass, such as computed tomography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis, routine practice restricted because limited availability, radiation exposure, time consumption, or high cost. Therefore, an alternative, simple, safe, reproducible, financially accessible method assessment sarcopenia needed. Hence, we aim to assess utility handgrip strength (HGS) diagnosing HCV-related cirrhosis compared appendicular skeletal index assessed absorptiometry (DEXA-ASMI). A total 64 participants older than 18 years were consecutively recruited. subjects divided into following groups: Control group included 32 healthy control subjects, who subdivided equally two subgroups (Child Child C) 16 each. All subjected dominant hand dynamometer DEXA scan. Results prevalence was significantly higher (7.75 ± 1.35 vs. 8.29 1.25 kg/m 2 , P < 0.001), increasing C class ( 0.001). HGS lower other groups Regarding differentiation sarcopenic patients, defining using cutoff ≤ 28.6 kg has AUC 0.879, sensitivity 100%, specificity 66.7%, PPV 61.1%, NPV 100% (95% CI = 0.715 0.967; 0.0001). Conclusion Given low cost, reproducibility, safety dynamometry, this promising both diagnosis well serial monitoring function