Abstract

Background: Previous studies have indicated that the phase angle (PhA) can serve as a valuable nutritional marker, yet limited research has explored its potential as a predictor for sarcopenia and frailty.
Objective: To assess the Phase Angle (PhA) as a marker for sarcopenia and frailty in hospitalized geriatric patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled hospitalized individuals aged 60 years or older, of both sexes, admitted to a hospital in “city removed”. The PhA was determined through measurements of resistance and reactance obtained from electrical bioimpedance analysis. Sarcopenia was defined based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 criteria and frailty was assessed using Fried’s criteria.
Results: Our sample consisted of 176 patients with an average age of 69.8±7.8 years. Sarcopenia was found in 37.7% of our population, while frailty was found in 67.0%. Reduced PhA was found in 56.3% of the individuals. A low PhA was independently associated with sarcopenia [Adjusted OR: 2.7 (95% CI: 1.2-5.8] and frailty [Adjusted OR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.1-5.2)]. Patients with severe sarcopenia (Median: 4.0; IQR: 3.0-5.0; p<0.001) and frailty (Median: 4.0; IQR: 3.0-5.0; p=0.001) exhibited significantly lower median PhA values.
Conclusion: The PhA can be regarded as a valuable marker for identifying sarcopenia and frailty in hospitalized geriatric patients. Additionally, lower PhA values may reflect the severity of sarcopenia.

Keywords:Nutritional assessment; Bioelectrical impedance analysis; Sarcopenia; Frailty; Aging