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PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sarcopenia screening tools can enable clinicians to select individuals for more demanding evaluations, and hence, may facilitate its timely diagnosis and management. The most common recommended screening test is SARC-F, whereas many others are proposed. We aimed to summarize the recent studies and evidence performed on SARC-F and other sarcopenia screening tools. RECENT FINDINGS Meta-analysis studies reported that despite having moderate-high specificity, SARC-F has low-moderate sensitivity to detect sarcopenia, which would cause a significant number of individuals having sarcopenia to be unrecognized. Several recent studies aimed to increase sensitivity and utility of SARC-F as a screening tool by i.e., application of lower cut-offs, adding extra-items, and combining with other screening tests. Some of these approaches increased its screening efficacy significantly. In line with its previous studies, SARC-F showed success to predict adverse outcomes in the latest studies as well. Recently, it has also been suggested as a reasonable screening test for frailty. In addition to the long-standing screening tests i.e., anthropometric measures, Ishii Test and Mini Sarcopenia Risk Assessment (MSRA) Questionnaire; new tests, i.e., Taiwan Risk Score for Sarcopenia, Sarcopenia Scoring Assessment Model (SarSA-Mod) and re-purposed tests, i.e., SARQoL questionnaire and fracture risk assessment tool have been investigated as potential screening tests for sarcopenia. Some of these tests performed as well as or superior to standard SARC-F. SUMMARY Screening of sarcopenia is critical for public health given its significant prevalence and adverse outcomes. SARC-F is the most recommended tool for screening but has low-moderate sensitivity. Studies performed recently indicate that its sensitivity can be increased by some attempts and it may be used as a reasonable test to screen frailty as well. Some other tests have also been developed/re-purposed for an efficient screening, needing to be tested for their performance and usability with future studies in different populations and settings.

Sarcopenia is associated with an increased likelihood of major adverse health outcomes. Therefore, screening and early and timely identification of sarcopenia are essential. EWGSOP2 (European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People2) suggests Ishii screening test for formal-case findings. We aimed to define the diagnostic value of the Ishii screening test, which estimates the probability of sarcopenia using an equation-derived score based on three variables (age, grip strength, and calf circumference) in Turkish older adults. Older adults aged > = 60 who applied to a geriatric outpatient clinic were included in the study. The recommendation of the EWGSOP2 for the definition of sarcopenia was followed. The probability of sarcopenia was estimated by using a score chart of Ishii. Performance of Ishii screening test was analyzed by using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the area under the curve (AUC). We included 1635 patients with the mean age of 74.7 ± 7.0. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 11.9%. The prevalence of confirmed sarcopenia according to height2 was 0.7%. The prevalence of severe sarcopenia was 0.3% in total. Against diagnoses of probable sarcopenia, confirmed sarcopenia, and severe sarcopenia, the sensitivity values of the Ishii screening test were 84%, 100%, and 100%; the specificity values were 86.1%, 83.9%, and 84.6%, respectively. PPV values were 44.9%, 4.2%, 2.1%; NPV were 97.6%, 100%, 100%, and the AUC values were 0.933, 0.961, and 0.959, respectively. Our results suggest that the Ishii screening test is a successful screening and maybe a candidate diagnostic test for sarcopenia.

Objectives: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have been recently introduced for type 2 diabetes treatment with significant cardiovascular, renal benefits. Yet, they have frequently been refrained in older adults. Metformin is regarded the first-line diabetes therapy for all ages; still it is associated with weight loss and frailty in older adults. We aimed to outline our experience with three oldest-old patients with high cardiovascular risk managed with SGLT-2 inhibitors, and five patients with anorexia/weight loss managed by metformin cessation. Methods: We outlined demographics, comorbidities, geriatric syndromes, functional status, and diabetes duration, and presented the changes in frailty by noting pre-intervention and post-intervention frailty scores. We outlined benefits and side effects related to SGLT-2 inhibitors, and the deprescription reasons and represcription practices of metformin therapy. We gave details on baseline and current diabetes treatment, overall medication regimen, and current status of the patients. Results: Among the case studies with SGLT-2 inhibitors, two patients were frail and reversed to pre-frailty status after SGLT-2 intervention, while the third patient was and remained robust. All patients had clinical improvements with better blood pressure and glucose control. Among the case studies treated with metformin, all were frail before the cessation of metformin. Four reversed to pre-frailty and one became robust after intervention. Conclusion: The findings of our case studies suggest considering SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with accompanying heart failure/high cardiovascular risk factors and cessation of metformin in those with malnutrition/malnutrition risk. These approaches have potential to improve frailty and inappropriate medication use in diabetic older adults.

Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia in stroke patients, the relationship between sarcopenia detected with different low muscle mass (LMM) adjustment methods, and between stroke-related parameters. Eighty-one patients with chronic stroke who underwent inpatient rehabilitation were included. Spasticity was evaluated by modified Ashworth scale, Brunnstrom staging approach was used for motor function evaluation, physical independence was evaluated using Barthel Index, quality-of-life was evaluated by EQ-5D-3L, and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale was used to measure multimorbidity. Muscle strength was evaluated by handgrip strength, muscle quantity through a bioelectric impedance analysis, and physical performance by gait speed and short physical performance battery. LMM was calculated through two different methods: Skeletal muscle mass (SMM)/height2, and SMM/BMI. For the definition of sarcopenia, we followed the EWGSOP2 recommendation. Associated sarcopenia factors were predicted by multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 32.1%. The prevalence of confirmed/sarcopenia when LMM was adjusted for BMI was higher than when adjusted for height2 (16 and 1.2%, respectively). Age was significantly higher in those with probable sarcopenia (P = 0.006). Stroke duration was shorter in those with probable or confirmed sarcopenia (P = 0.004, P < 0.001, respectively). EQ-5D-3L scores were significantly lower in those with confirmed sarcopenia (P = 0.050). The strongest associated factor with confirmed sarcopenia was stroke duration (OR: 0.77; 95% CI, 0.618-0.965). This study suggests that prevalence of sarcopenia after a stroke is significantly high. LMM adjusted for BMI comes in front as the adjustment method for LMM after a stroke.

Summary Background & aims There have been several attempts to come up with a global operational definition of sarcopenia (S), and consequently, a definition of S has been established, to some extent. That said, the definition of sarcopenic obesity (SO), which is defined as the presence of obesity + sarcopenia, remains obscure, hindering evaluations of the prevalence and relevance of SO. It has yet to be elucidated whether SO is associated with worse functionality when compared to S alone (S without obesity). In the present study, we compare SO and S alone in terms of their associations with functional measures through the application of alternative definitions of SO. As a secondary output, we document the prevalence of SO based on alternative definitions. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included community-dwelling adults over 60 years of age who presented as outpatients to a university hospital between 2012 and 2020. All were evaluated for body composition (bioimpedance analysis), handgrip strength (Jamar hand dynamometer) and functional health status [activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)]. The fat percentile method was used to define the obesity component of SO. Low muscle mass (LMM) was defined using two different adjustment methods of skeletal muscle mass (LMM adjusted by height2 or LMM adjusted by BMI). S was defined based on the EWGSOP2 definition, as probable S (low muscle strength) or confirmed S (low muscle strength + LMM). Accordingly, three alternative definitions of SO were applied based on three alternative definitions of S, i.e., “obesity + sarcopenia (probable)”, “obesity + sarcopenia (confirmed, LMM adjusted by height2)” and “obesity + sarcopenia (confirmed, LMM adjusted by BMI)”. The associations of SO and S alone with functional measures were examined with univariate analyses and adjusted multivariate analyses. Results Included in the study were 1468 older adults (median age 75; 68.8% female). The prevalence of SO was very low (0.2%) based on the SO definition “obesity + sarcopenia (confirmed, LMM adjusted by height2), but it was present at a considerable and comparable rate based on SO definition “obesity + sarcopenia (probable)” and SO definition “obesity + sarcopenia (confirmed, LMM adjusted by BMI)” (4.1%, 4.0%; respectively). As SO by “obesity + sarcopenia (confirmed, LMM adjusted by height2)” had an ignorable prevalence, this definition of SO was excluded from further analyses. Multivariate analyses revealed that, when compared to the Non-S Non-Obese group, S alone definitions had odds ratio (OR) of 5.4 and 3.4 while SO definitions had an OR of 3.2 and 2.7 for impaired ADL, and an OR of 7.9 and 6.4, while SO definitions had an OR of 3.0 and 2.7 for impaired IADL. SO was thus found to be associated with a lower prevalence of impaired functional measures than that of S alone. Conclusions Our results suggest that the SO definition confirmed, LMM adjusted by height2 has an ignorable prevalence in populations in which underweight or malnutrition is uncommon. Among sarcopenic older individuals, obesity may have a protective effect against the limitations of some functional measures, providing evidence of the possible protective effect of obesity in sarcopenic individuals.

In 2018 EWGSOP2 has suggested low muscle strength as the primary parameter of sarcopenia. The consensus has recommended SARC-F questionnaire as a screening test to find cases with low muscle strength which has been designated as probable sarcopenia. We aimed to study the ability of SARC-F to find probable sarcopenia cases in older patients. Retrospective, cross-sectional. Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine A total of 456 older adults (71.1% female, mean age: 74.6±6.6 years) We diagnosed probable sarcopenia by EWGSOP 2 criteria, i.e., presence of low handgrip strength (HGS). SARC-F questionnaire was performed by all participants. We used a receiver operating characteristics curve to obtain SARC-F cut-off values to detect probable sarcopenia and calculated the area under the curve and 95% confidence interval (CI). We included 456 participants (71.1% female; mean age: 74.6 ± 6.6 years). Probable sarcopenia was present in 58 (12.7%). SARC-F cut-off ≥ 2 presented the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity: 64.9% vs specificity: 67.9%) to detect probable sarcopenia [the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) = 0.710; 95% Cl: 0.660–0.752, p< 0.001]. SARC-F with a cutoff point ≥ 1 had sensitivity 84.2% and specificity 40.5% and SARC-F ≥ 4 had high specificity 88.2% with 40.3% sensitivity. SARC-F is a good screening tool for sarcopenia in practice. Our findings suggest SARC-F ≥ 1 cut-off point to be used as the probable sarcopenia screening tool regarding its high sensitivity. Consequently, SARC-F ≥ 4 cut-off is better to be used if one prefers to exclude probable sarcopenia.

Dysphagia is one of the most common and important complications of stroke. It is an independent marker of poor outcome after acute stroke and may become chronic after the acute period and continues to affect all aspects of the patient's life. Patients with stroke may encounter any of the medical branches in the emergency room or outpatient clinic, and as in our country, there may not be specialists specific for dysphagia, such as speech-language pathologists (SLP), in every hospital. This study aimed to raise awareness and create a common opinion of medical specialists for stroke patients with dysphagia. This recommendation paper has been written by a multidisciplinary team and offers 45 recommendations for stroke patients with dysphagia. It was created using the eight-step Delphi round via e-mail. This study is mostly specific to Turkey. However, since it contains detailed recommendations from the perspective of various disciplines associated with stroke, this consensus-based recommendation paper is not only a useful guide to address clinical questions in practice for the clinical management of dysphagia in terms of management, diagnosis, and follow-up, but also includes detailed comments for these topics.

Fried frailty scale is the very first and most commonly used assessment scale for an operational definition of frailty with its demonstrated success as a predictor of mobility limitations and mortality. However, it is impractical for use in routine clinical practice. We aimed to study whether a simpler modified Fried frailty scale could predict mortality among nursing home residents. Retrospective longitudinal follow-up study. Nursing home. Baseline evaluation was performed in 2009. Mortality was assessed after 4 year. Two hundred-twenty-four participants were included. Residents were assessed for demographic characteristics, falls, dementia, the number of regular medications and chronic diseases, body composition by bioimpedance analysis, basic and instrumental activities of daily living besides frailty status by a modified Fried frailty scale. The residents were assessed for mortality after a median follow-up time of 46 months. The association of frailty with mortality was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier Log-rank test and multivariate Cox Regression analysis. Mortality occurred in 90 (40.2%) of the residents. In multivariate analysis, frailty was an independent predictor of death (Hazzard ratio= 1.4, 95% confidence interval= 1.03–2.6, p=0.03) when adjusted by age, sex, presence of malnutrition, low muscle mass, number of chronic diseases and regular medications. Our results suggest that the simpler modified Fried frailty scale can be used as a screening tool for frailty in everyday practice as a tool to identify risky patients for mortality. Future reports studying its role in predicting other adverse outcomes associated with frailty are needed.

Objective We investigate the relationship between sarcopenia components and depression in geriatric outpatients, considering the effects of potential confounding factors. Methods Adults ≥60 years of age were selected from outpatient clinics. Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength (HGS) measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and chair stand test (CSST). Physical performance was evaluated by usual gait speed (UGS), nutritional status, and frailty were screened by mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire and FRAIL scale. Depression was diagnosed through a psychiatric interview and the administration of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results Participants with depression were similar to participants without depression regarding age (p = .055), education (p = .095), frailty (p = .857), and HGS scores (p = .053). The group with depression had longer CSST duration (p = .023), slower UGS (p = .027), and more malnutrition (p = .001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that only the malnutrition was independently associated factor with depression after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusions Depression is associated with malnutrition and some components of sarcopenia in geriatric outpatients. Our results revealed that sarcopenia might be associated with depression through malnutrition. If malnutrition lasts for a long time, sarcopenia may become evident in the later stages of depression.

We aimed to compare European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2)-suggested and population-specific handgrip strength (HGS) thresholds to detect probable sarcopenia and their assoc...

While assessment of sarcopenia has drawn much attention, assessment of low muscle power has not been studied widely. This is, to a large extend, due to a more difficult assessment of power in practice. We aimed to compare the associations of low power and sarcopenia with functional and performance measures. We designed a retrospective and cross-sectional study. Community-dwelling outpatient older adults applied to a university hospital between 2012 and 2020 composed the population. We estimated body composition by bioimpedance analysis. Other measures were handgrip strength, timed-up-and-go-test (TUG), usual gait speed (UGS), activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) tests. We assessed muscle power by a practical equation using a 5-repetition sit-to-stand power test. We adjusted the power by body weight and defined low muscle power threshold as the lowest sex-specific tertile. We noted demographic characteristics, number of medications, and diseases. We defined sarcopenia by EWGSOP2 definition. Cut points for low relative muscle power were

Key summary points Aim To describe several aspects that affect practicing geriatric medicine in five different countries: Greece, Portugal, Russia, Turkey, and Tunisia Findings Discrepancies exist between countries concerning all aspects of geriatric medicine (recognition, training, educational and professional standards, academic representation, working context). Message Specificities of each country that set the frame should be taken into consideration in promoting geriatric medicine in different settings., Purpose Practicing geriatric medicine is a challenging task since it involves working together with other medical doctors while coordinating a multidisciplinary team. Global Europe Initiative (GEI) group within the European Geriatric Medicine Society gathers geriatricians from different regions where geriatrics is underrepresented or still developing to promote initiatives for the advancement of geriatric medicine within these countries. Methods Here we present a first effort to describe several aspects that affect practicing geriatric medicine in five different countries: Greece, Portugal, Russia, Turkey, and Tunisia. Results We can notice discrepancies between countries concerning all dimensions of geriatrics (recognition, training, educational and professional standards, academic representation, working context). Conclusions These differences correspond to the specificities of each country and set the frame where geriatric medicine is going to be developed across Europe. EuGMS with GEI group can provide useful support.

SARC-F is a commonly used screening tool for sarcopenia case finding due to its user-friendly and very practical application. It has been introduced to screen for sarcopenia with simple functional questions obviating the need for the measurement of muscle mass. A score equal to or greater than 4 has been reported as predictive of poor outcomes. Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome associated with well-known adverse consequences. The growing awareness of sarcopenia as a determinant of poor health in older people has underlined the importance of rapidly diagnosing sarcopenia, which will aid clinicians for implementing prevention and treatment strategies. It has been recommended formal tool for sarcopenia screening/case-finding. In this narrative review, we aimed to evaluate the use of SARC-F, its ability to screen and diagnose sarcopenia and its potential use in the fields other than sarcopenia, i.e. frailty. We conclude that SARC-F stands as one of the most useful and applied tool in studies focusing on screening and diagnosis of sarcopenia. In addition, it has a great potential to be used as a frailty screening tool.

Key summary points Aim To meet the current need in different European countries for improving prescribing in older adults, we aimed to create an update screening tool getting origin from the two user friendly criterion sets: the STOPP/STARTv2 criteria and CRIME criteria. Findings Based on thorough literature review, 55 criteria were added, 17 criteria were removed, and 60 criteria were modified. As a result, 153 TIME criteria composed of 112 TIME-to-STOP and 41 TIME-to-START criteria were introduced. Message TIME criterion set is an update screening tool reported from Eastern Europe that included experts from geriatrics and other specialties frequently giving care to older adults and some additional practical explanations for clinical use. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s41999-020-00297-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users., Purpose To improve prescribing in older adults, criterion sets have been introduced from different countries. While current criterion sets are useful to some extent, they do not meet the need in some European countries. Turkish inappropriate medication use in the elderly (TIME) criteria was planned to meet this need. Methods In phase 1, the user friendly sets: STOPP/START version2 and CRIME criteria were combined. National experts composed of geriatricians and non-geriatricians were invited to review and comment. In phase 2, thorough literature review was performed and reference-based revisions, omissions, and additions were made. Explanatory additions were added to some criteria to improve application in practice. In phase 3, all working group members reviewed the criteria/explanations and agreed on the final content. Results Phase 1 was performed by 49 expert academicians between May and October 2016. Phase 2 was performed by 23 working group academicians between October 2016 and November 2018 and included face-to-face interviews between at least two geriatrician members and one criterion-related specialist. Phase 3 was completed between November 2018–March 2019 with review and approval of all criteria by working group academicians. As a result, 55 criteria were added, 17 criteria were removed, and 60 criteria were modified from the first draft. A total of 153 TIME criteria composed of 112 TIME-to-STOP and 41 TIME-to-START criteria were introduced. Conclusion TIME criteria is an update screening tool that differs from the current useful tools by the interactive study of experts from geriatrics and non-geriatrics, inclusion of practical explanations for some criteria and by its eastern European origin. TIME study respectfully acknowledges its roots from STOPP/START and CRIME criteria. Studies are needed whether it would lead improvements in older adults’ health. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s41999-020-00297-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To determine the prevalence and factors independently associated with chronic pain. More than half of geriatric outpatients reported chronic pain. Female gender and frailty were independently associated with chronic pain. Chronic pain is common and independently associated with frailty. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors independently associated with chronic pain. Participants ≥ 65 years of age admitted to a geriatric outpatient-clinic were recruited between November 2012 and May 2018. Chronic pain is defined as presence of musculoskeletal system-based pain ongoing more than 3 months. Numeric rating scale (NRS) was applied to assess pain severity. Physical activity status was recorded as never or 1–2 times per week or everyday as appropriate. Following geriatric syndromes were assessed: sleep problem, fall within past year, depression by Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF), frailty by FRAIL scale, functionality by modified Katz activities of daily living (ADL) and Lawton instrumental ADL scales, and quality of life by Euro-Quality of Life-5D (EQ-5D) and EQ Visual Analog Scale. The study population consisted of 1441 patients. Of those, 969 were female and 472 were male. Mean age was 75.5 ± 6.6 years. The prevalence of chronic pain was 54.2% (n = 781). The median NRS score was 5 (1–10). Female gender, sleep problem, decreased functionality, and lower quality of life were independently associated with chronic pain after adjustment for educational status, presence of physical activity, fall within the past year, depression, and frailty. When the second analysis performed after the data with larger amount of missing value is removed, female gender and frailty remained independently associated with chronic pain. Chronic pain is common and independently associated with female gender and frailty in geriatric outpatients. Factors those are associated with chronic pain, as documented in this study, may induce further longitudinal studies.

PURPOSE The purposes of the study were: a) to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia, obesity and sarcopenic obesity (SO) in older adults, b) to explore the effect of nutrition as mediator of the association between these entities and frailty. MATERIALS AND METHODS Older adults (≥65 years) were evaluated based on European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria for the presence/absence of sarcopenia. Obesity was diagnosed by using Zoico methodology. FRAIL scale was used to evaluate frailty and nutritional status was assessed with Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). RESULTS Five-hundred-seventy individuals (68,9% female, mean age 74,41±6,57 years) were included. The prevalence of sarcopenia, obesity and SO were 18,6%, 28,9% and 11,2%, respectively. FRAIL scores were directly affected by having sarcopenia (β: 0.42, 95% CI: (0.21-0.67), p

Orthogeriatrics is a team approach that aims to provide adequate and timely intervention for individuals suffering from fragility fractures, particularly hip fractures. These patients are mostly the frailest older adults. The aim of orthogeriatrics is to re-gain functionality as early as possible and to decrease disability and mortality. Some developed countries have established orthogeriatric services, while many others, including Turkey, have so far not. Here, to identify areas for improvement, we outline the status of the orthogeriatrics in older adults in Turkey. We present clear calls for action, emphasizing possible and noteworthy areas for improvement. Our proposals include the need for an easily applied, short version of comprehensive geriatric assessment; appropriate laboratory testing on admission; paracetamol with a special emphasis in its dosings and clues for state-of-the-art analgesic management; the essential need to introduce oral nutritional supplementation, irrespective of nutritional status; the need for vitamin D commencement, in almost all patients; and starting osteoporosis treatment in fracture hospitalization, whenever appropriate. Last but not least, the ever-increasing prerequisite to establish “fracture liaison services” is stipulated. We suggest that our recommendations offer great potential in Turkey, for the improvement of frail fracture patients’ care. We call the other countries that do not have established orthogeriatric lines to model our approach to improve the management of fracture patients globally.

Objective Explicit screening tools and implicit evaluation methods have been developed to assist healthcare professionals in the management of pharmacotherapy in older adults. As prescribing habits and locally available medications vary considerably between countries, guides tailored to the needs of specific regions may be required. We aimed to report the results of the international Delphi validation study for the Turkish Inappropriate Medication use in the Elderly (TIME) criteria set, which aims to detect inappropriate prescribing in older adults in Eastern Europe. Methods The study was conducted between June 2019 and March 2020. Delphi rounds were conducted by the TIME international working group, which included 11 internationally recognized experts in geriatric pharmacotherapy as Delphi panelists. They were asked to indicate to what extent they agreed or disagreed with each TIME criterion, taking into account both the available evidence and their own experience. We used a five-point Likert scale from 1 (strongly agree) to 5 (strongly disagree) and an online software program (SurveyMonkey®) to grade the level of agreement. Criteria with a median value of 1 or 2 and a 75th centile value of 1 or 2 were accepted, and criteria with a median value > 2 were rejected. Those with a median value of 1 or 2 but a 75th centile value > 2 were retained, to be assessed in the following round. The initial list of Delphi criteria comprised 153 TIME items. Results After three Delphi rounds, 134 criteria were accepted and seven criteria were rejected, while 12 criteria did not achieve consensus, and so were not included in the final validated set of TIME criteria. Conclusion We developed the internationally validated TIME criteria set based on a Delphi process involving international experts. The validation study suggests that the TIME criteria set can be applied in both central and Eastern European settings. Further studies are needed to assess the utility and benefit of the TIME criteria in reducing inappropriate drug use and improving clinical outcomes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40266-021-00855-5.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between urinary incontinence (stress and/or urgency) and sarcopenia in a large group of female older adults. UI is independently associated with sarcopenia when muscle mass was adjusted by weight and also with presence of low muscle mass when muscle mass was adjusted by weight or BMI. Evaluation of sarcopenia may have a role in the management of stress and urgency urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common cause of morbidity in the female older adult. Identification of factors associated with UI is necessary to identify risky individuals, to take preventive measures, and to recognize commonly associated co-morbidities. We suggest that sarcopenia may be associated with UI through decrease in muscle mass/strength. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between UI (stress and/or urgency) and sarcopenia. Female older adults ≥ 60 years that applied to geriatric outpatient clinic were analyzed cross-sectionally. The presence of UI, UI types, fecal incontinence, and constipation was obtained. Functional status was assessed by basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL and IADL), nutrition by mini-nutritional assessment-short form (MNA-SF). Total muscle mass was measured by bioimpedance analysis. Hand grip strength and walking speed were assessed. A total of 802 female adults were included. The prevalence of UI was 48.9%. Associated factors with presence of UI were higher age and BMI, presence of fecal incontinence, constipation, lower activities of ADL and IADL scores, lower grip strength, lower skeletal muscle mass adjusted by weight and BMI, and presence of sarcopenia adjusted by weight and BMI. Independent factors related with UI were presence of fecal incontinence, constipation, IADL dependency, low muscle mass adjusted by weight and body mass index, and sarcopenia adjusted by weight. The results of our study suggest that UI is independently associated with sarcopenia when muscle mass was adjusted by weight and also with presence of low muscle mass when muscle mass was adjusted by weight or BMI.

Dysphagia is described as a geriatric syndrome that occurs more frequently with aging. It is associated with the deterioration in functionality however, it is usually ignored. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome that is recognized more with its well-known adverse consequences. Very recently, dysphagia has been suggested to accompany frailty in older adults. We aimed to investigate the association between dysphagia and frailty in the community dwelling older adults.Prospective, cross-sectional study.Geriatric outpatient clinic.Older adults aged ≥60 years.Dysphagia was evaluated by EAT-10 questionnaire and frailty by FRAIL scale. Handgrip strength (HGS) was evaluated by hand-dynamometer. Gait speed was evaluated by 4-meter usual gait speed (UGS). Nutritional status was assessed by mini-nutritional assessment-short form (MNA-SF).1138 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 74.1±7.3 years. EAT-10 questionnaire was answered by all and FRAIL-scale by 851 subjects. EAT-10 score15 points was regarded as significant dysphagia risk. The participants with EAT-1015 points were older when compared to the participants with EAT-10=15 points (p=0.002). Among participants with EAT-1015 points, women gender and neurodegenerative diseases were more prevalent (p=0.04, p=0.002; respectively); number of chronic diseases, number of drugs and FRAIL score were higher (p=0.001 for each), and HGS, UGS, MNA-SF scores were lower (p=0.002, p=0.01, p0.001; respectively). In multivariate analyses, the factors independently associated with presence of EAT-10 score15 were FRAIL score and the number of drugs.Dysphagia is associated with frailty irrespective to age, presence of neurodegenerative diseases, number of chronic diseases and drugs. To our knowledge, this is the largest serie in the literature providing data on independent association of dysphagia with frailty.

We aimed to investigate the association between anorexia and sarcopenia in community dwelling older adults. Anorexia was assessed by Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) and sarcopenia defined by EWSGOP criteria. Study participants consisted of 442 patients from Turkish validation study of the SNAQ. Study is designed as cross-sectional in community dwelling outpatients. Muscle mass was determined by using bioimpedance analysis. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) was calculated as SMM (kg)/height (m)2. Muscle strength was evaluated by hand grip strength (HGS) with Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Gait speed (GS) was assessed by usual 4 meters speed. Depression and quality of life were assessed by using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Euro-Quality of Life-5D(EQ-5D). Univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were run to evaluate the association between poor appetite and components of sarcopenia. Prevalences of low HGS, low gait speed and sarcopenia were higher in group with poor appetite (p=0.001, p

AIM Sarcopenia is recognized with its adverse functional outcomes. We aimed to report the prevalence of European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) defined sarcopenia and its individual components in community dwelling outpatient older adults and study the correlations of EWGSOP defined sarcopenia, muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance with functional status. MATERIAL AND METHODS The subjects were prospectively recruited from the geriatrics outpatient clinics of our university hospital. Body composition was assessed with bioimpedance analysis. Muscle strength was assessed by measurement of hand grip strength with hydraulic hand dynamometer, physical performance was assessed by 4 meter usual gait speed (UGS). Impaired muscle function was defined as presence of low muscle strength and or slow gait speed. As a measure of functionality, modified version of Katz activities of daily living (ADL) and Lawton instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were assessed. RESULTS A total of 242 community dwelling outpatients with mean age of 79.4 ± 5.7 years were enrolled. 31.8% were male. Prevalence of low muscle mass was 2.1% and impaired muscle function was 71.1%. Prevalence of EWGSOP defined sarcopenia was 0.8% (1.3% in men and 0.6% in women). Most correlated parameter with ADL and IADL was the usual gait speed (r = 0.49, r = 0.63; p

The physical phenotype of frailty, described by Fried et al., shows significant overlap with sarcopenia. EWGSOP2 recommends the SARC-F questionnaire to screen for sarcopenia. Considering common features between both conditions, we aimed to investigate whether the SARC-F questionnaire could also be a valid and reliable tool to screen or evaluate frailty. Retrospective, cross-sectional. Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. A total of 447 older adults (70.7% female, mean age: 74.5±6.6 years). Frailty was assessed by the modified Fried scale. SARC-F questionnaire was performed by all participants. We used a receiver operating characteristics curve to obtain SARC-F cut-off values to detect frailty, and calculated the area under the curve and 95% confidence interval. There were 93 (20.8%) older adults with frailty according to the modified Fried scale. SARC-F cut-off ≥1 had 91.4% sensitivity and 44.9% specificity. SARC-F cut-off ≥2 presented the best balance between sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity: 74.1% vs. specificity: 73.7%) to identify frailty (area under curve: 0.807; 95% confidence interval: 0.76–0.84, p

We aimed to study the prevalence of fear of falling (FOF), and its association with physical performance, functionality, frailty, sarcopenia, and a variety of geriatric syndromes including cognitive impairment, depression, quality of life and hearing. Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Community-dwelling older adults applied to the geriatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital. A total of 1021community-dwelling older adults >= 60 years of age applying to the geriatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital. We screened for falls and FOF by single close-ended questions. We performed screening and assessment of probable sarcopenia by SARC-F test and handgrip strength evaluation according to EWGSOP2. We used timed up and go test (TUG), usual gait speed (UGS) for physical performance, and Katz- activities of daily living (ADL) and Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) for functional evaluation. We screened anxiety with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale. The prevalence of FOF was 44.6% and falls, 37.7%. Prevalence of FOF in sarcopenia screening positive participants was 30.1%; in probable sarcopenic (35/20 kg) participants, 43.9%; in those with undernutrition, 45.7%; in fallers, 51.1%; in females, 80.4%; and in prefrail/frail was 74.7% Multivariate regression analyses revealed that female sex (OR=4.1, 95%CI= 2.0–8.4, p

PURPOSE The total number of older adults in Turkey is striking, amounting to around 8 million, and this translates into considerably higher numbers of cases of osteoporosis (OP) and fractures in older adults. In this article, we outlined the current situation of OP in older adults in Turkey and investigated the differences between Turkey and a representative developed European country (Belgium), in terms of the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of OP. Our intention in this regard was to identify areas in need of improvement and subsequently to make a clear call for action to address these issues. METHODS Herein, considering the steps related to the OP approach, we made a complete review of the studies conducted in Turkey and compared with the literature recommendations. RESULTS There is a need for a national osteoporotic fracture registry; measures should be taken to improve the screening and treatment of OP in older males, such as educational activities; technicians involved in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning should undergo routine periodic training; all DXA centers should identify center-specific least significant change values; all older adults should be considered for routine lateral dorsolumbar X-ray imaging for the screening of vertebral fractures while ordering DXA scans; the inclusion of vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) software in DXA assessments should be considered; screening using a fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) algorithm that is specific to Turkey should be integrated; the fortification of foods with vitamin D is required; the high fracture risk by country-specific FRAX algorithm and the presence of falls/high fall risk should be integrated in reimbursement terms; and finally, more "fracture liaison services" should be established. CONCLUSION We suggest that the practical consideration of our suggestions will provide considerable support to the efforts for combating with the adverse consequences of OP in society. This approach can be subsequently modeled for other populations to improve the management of OP globally.

Amaç: Çalışmamızın amacı tip 2 diyabet tanısı almış yaşlı erişkinlerde kırılganlıkla ilgili faktörleri belirlemektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya 65 yaş ve üstü, tip 2 diyabet tanısı almış 108 kişi dahil edildi. Katılımcıların kırılganlığı FRAIL anketi ile değerlendirilmiş, beslenme durumu Mini Beslenme Değerlendirme Kısa Formu (MNA-SF) ile, depresyon durumu Hasta Sağlığı Anketi-2 (PHQ2) ve Geriatrik Depresyon Ölçeği Kısa Formu (GDS-SF) ile değerlendirilirken, yaşam kalitesi EuroQol-5 Boyut (EQ5D) ve EQ VAS puanlaması ile, kişisel bakım durumları ise Günlük Yaşamın Temel Aktiviteleri (BADL) ve Günlük Yaşamın Enstrümantal Aktiviteleri (IADL) formları ile değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Kırılgan grupta, kırılgan olmayanlara göre uyku sorunları, düşme korkusu, idrar kaçırma, PHQ2, GDS-SF ve EQ5D skorları anlamlı olarak yüksek; MNASF skoru ise anlamlı olarak düşüktü (p, Objective: Our study aimed to determine the factors related to frailty in elderly adults having been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Material and Method: A total of 108 people aged 65 and over, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, were included in the study. The frailty of the participants was evaluated with the FRAIL questionnaire, their nutritional status was evaluated with the Mini Nutrition Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), the depression status with the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ2) and the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF), while the quality of life was evaluated with the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ5D) and Scoring the EQ-VAS, and personal care status were evaluated with Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) forms. Results: Sleep problems, fear of falling, presence of urinary incontinence, PHQ2, GDS-SF, and EQ5D scores were significantly higher; the MNASF score was significantly lower in the frail group than the values in the non-frail group (p

Key Summary Points Aim To provide a geriatric perspective on the 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association of Cardio–Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). Findings While the large majority of AF patients in real life are older, frail and cognitively impaired, these are mostly excluded from clinical trials, and physicians’ attitudes often prevail over standardized algorithms. On the basis of existing evidence, we suggest that (1) opportunistic AF screening by pulse palpation or ECG rhythm strip is cost-effective, and (2) whereas advanced chronological age by itself is not a contraindication to AF treatment, a Comprehesive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) including frailty, cognitive impairment, falls and bleeding risk may assist in clinical decision making to provide the best individualized treatment. Message The integration of CGA might positively influence clinical decision making in older patients with atrial fibrillation., Background The Task Force for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation (AF) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) published in 2020 the updated Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation with the contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC and the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS). Methods and results In this narrative viewpoint, we approach AF from the perspective of aging medicine and try to provide the readers with information usually neglected in clinical routine, mainly due to the fact that while the large majority of AF patients in real life are older, frail and cognitively impaired, these are mostly excluded from clinical trials, and physicians’ attitudes often prevail over standardized algorithms. Conclusions On the basis of existing evidence, (1) opportunistic AF screening by pulse palpation or ECG rhythm strip is cost-effective, and (2) whereas advanced chronological age by itself is not a contraindication to AF treatment, a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) including frailty, cognitive impairment, falls and bleeding risk may assist in clinical decision making to provide the best individualized treatment.

Key summary points Aim To review current cardiovascular medications for benefits and potential harms during COVID-19. Findings Several cardiovascular drugs have a potential to protect patients with COVID-19, although evidence is largely based on observational studies and age-specific data are scarce. Message Most current cardiovascular drugs can be safely continued during COVID-19, but general conditions common in older patients must be considered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41999-021-00504-5., Purpose In the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19 complications, derangements of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), vascular endothelial dysfunction leading to inflammation and coagulopathy, and arrhythmias play an important role. Therefore, it is worth considering the use of currently available drugs to protect COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular diseases. Methods We review the current experience of conventional cardiovascular drugs [angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, anticoagulants, acetosalicylic acid, antiarrhythmic drugs, statins] as well as some other drug classes (antidiabetic drugs, vitamin D and NSAIDs) frequently used by older patients with cardiovascular diseases. Data were sought from clinical databases for COVID-19 and appropriate key words. Conclusions and recommendations are based on a consensus among all authors. Results Several cardiovascular drugs have a potential to protect patients with COVID-19, although evidence is largely based on retrospective, observational studies. Despite propensity score adjustments used in many analyses observational studies are not equivalent to randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Ongoing RCTs include treatment with antithrombotics, pulmonary vasodilators, RAAS-related drugs, and colchicine. RCTs in the acute phase of COVID-19 may not, however, recognise the benefits of long term anti-atherogenic therapies, such as statins. Conclusions Most current cardiovascular drugs can be safely continued during COVID-19. Some drug classes may even be protective. Age-specific data are scarce, though, and conditions which are common in older patients (frailty, comorbidities, polypharmacy) must be individually considered for each drug group. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41999-021-00504-5.

Background Healthcare professionals are often reluctant to deprescribe fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs). Lack of knowledge and skills form a significant barrier and furthermore, there is no consensus on which medications are considered as FRIDs despite several systematic reviews. To support clinicians in the management of FRIDs and to facilitate the deprescribing process, STOPPFall (Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in older adults with high fall risk) and a deprescribing tool were developed by a European expert group. Methods STOPPFall was created by two facilitators based on evidence from recent meta-analyses and national fall prevention guidelines in Europe. Twenty-four panellists chose their level of agreement on a Likert scale with the items in the STOPPFall in three Delphi panel rounds. A threshold of 70% was selected for consensus a priori. The panellists were asked whether some agents are more fall-risk-increasing than others within the same pharmacological class. In an additional questionnaire, panellists were asked in which cases deprescribing of FRIDs should be considered and how it should be performed. Results The panellists agreed on 14 medication classes to be included in the STOPPFall. They were mostly psychotropic medications. The panellists indicated 18 differences between pharmacological subclasses with regard to fall-risk-increasing properties. Practical deprescribing guidance was developed for STOPPFall medication classes. Conclusion STOPPFall was created using an expert Delphi consensus process and combined with a practical deprescribing tool designed to optimise medication review. The effectiveness of these tools in falls prevention should be further evaluated in intervention studies.

Introduction Hospitalization is associated with acute changes in sarcopenia status in older people, but the influencing factors are not fully understood. Pre-admission care dependency level as a risk factor has not yet been investigated. Objective Evaluate if pre-admission care dependency level is an independent predictor of sarcopenia changes following hospitalization. Setting and subjects Data came from the Sarcopenia 9+ EAMA Project, a European prospective multi-centre study. For this study, 227 hospitalised older people were included from four different hospitals in Belgium, Spain and Poland, between 18 February 2019 and 5 September 2020. Methods Sarcopenia status at admission and discharge were calculated using a combined score (desirability value) based on muscle mass (calf circumference), strength (grip) and function (walking speed). Ratio of admission to discharge status was the outcome (desirability ratio; 1.00 meaning no difference). Predictor variable was the pre-admission care dependency level, classified into three groups: independent older people living at home, dependent older people living at home and older people living in a care home. Linear regression models were applied, considering potential confounders. Results Mean desirability ratio for dependent older people living at home (‘middle dependent group’) was lower (0.89) compared to independent older people (0.98; regression coefficient −0.09 [95% CI −0.16, −0.02]) and care home patients (1.05; −0.16 [95% CI −0.01, −0.31]). Adjusting for potential confounders or using another statistical approach did not affect the main results. Conclusion Dependent older people living at home were at higher risk of deterioration in sarcopenia status following hospitalization. In-depth studies investigating causes and potential interventions of these findings are needed.

A preserved ambulation is one of the keypoints for functionality and polypharmacy, a common problem in older adults, is associated with worse functional status. Our aim was to examine the associations of polypharmacy with certain physical performance measures used to evaluate ambulation.This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in a geriatric outpatient clinic. Using ≥5 medications was accepted as polypharmacy. Usual gait speed (UGS), chair sit-to-stand test (CSST), timed up and go test (TUG) and short physical performance battery (SPPB) were performed to assess physical performance status. We created two models for logistic regression analyses: Model 1 was adjusted for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). We added comorbidities to Model 1 and further created Model 2.There were 392 participants (69.1% were female, mean age: 73.9±6.2 years). Polypharmacy was seen in 62.5%. Participants with polypharmacy presented with a poor physical performance compared to the no-polypharmacy group (p0.001, for each). In multivariate analyses, polypharmacy was independently associated with poor SPPB (Odds Ratio (OR)=2.5; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=1.3-4.7 and OR=2.4; 95% CI=1.2-4.8 for Model 1 and 2, respectively) and long CSST (OR= 2.6; 95% CI=1.3-5.2 and OR=3.7; 95% CI=1.7-8.2 for Model 1 and 2, respectively). There was a significant association between polypharmacy and slow UGS in Model 1 (OR=1.9; 95% CI=1.0-3.5); but relationship did not persist after adding comorbidities into the first model (OR=1.6; 95% CI= 0.8-3.1). There was no significant association between long TUG and polypharmacy in any of the models.Polypharmacy is well-known with its association with falls and fractures in older adults and this might be explained by its association with poor physical performance. Whether polypharmacy causes a deterioration in physical performance is an issue needs to be enlightened by further longitudinal studies.

Summary Background & Aims Computerized tomography (CT) is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of total skeletal muscle quantity. Skeletal muscle assessments at the L3 vertebra level revealed significantly correlated with total body muscle measurements. Clinicians need cut-offs to evaluate low muscle mass in various patients who already had CT imaging without any additional cost. This assessment is important to help the physicians to stratify the patients for mortality and other complications. It may also enable the diagnosis of malnutrition by the GLIM criteria. Few studies reported cut-offs in different populations. We aimed to provide cut-off values for total skeletal muscle index (SMI) and psoas muscle mass index (PMI) at the L3 vertebra level in the Turkish population. Methods We assessed the preoperative plain CT images of living adult liver donors who were admitted to a single transplantation center between June 2010 and April 2018. We derived cut-off values with two alternative methods, the 5th percentile value or mean minus two standard deviations and from two groups of study participants, i.e. the total study population and the younger subgroup aged between 18 and 40. Results The study population involved 601 subjects with a mean age of 32.5 ± 9 (range: 18–59 years) and 326 (54.2%) was male. The younger subgroup was composed of 482 individuals with a mean age of 28.8 ± 5.9 and 55.6% male. In patients aged between 18 and 40, PMI and SMI cut-offs by using the 5th percentile were 5.40 cm2/m2, 41.42 cm2/m2 for males; and 3.56 cm2/m2, 30.70 cm2/m2 for females; respectively. The cut-offs of PMI and SMI by using mean minus two standard deviations were 4.62 cm2/m2, 38.67 cm2/m2 for males; and 2.66 cm2/m2, 27.8 cm2/m2 for females; respectively. These cut-offs were comparable to the other populations. Conclusions Our study provided cut-offs to be used in CT images for PMI and SMI. There is a need for further longitudinal studies to verify whether these cut-offs are successful in predicting mortality or other adverse outcomes associated with low muscle mass.

The purpose of this research is to determine if inappropriate NOAC prescribing is a significant problem and whether it is related to existing diseases, demographic-data, CHA2DS2-VASc and HASBLED-scores, frailty and falls. Inappropriate NOAC prescribing is a common problem, and we suggest that dose reduction was performed only in the consideration of the age factor. No association was identified between inadequate dosing and falling or frailty. Inappropriate NOAC use is a significant problem, especially in older adults, and patients in this group are at greater risk of stroke. There has been a rapid increase in the use of non-vitamin K-antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC). Current guidelines recommend dose adjustments be made in accordance with certain criteria for each NOAC. This study is aimed at determining whether or not NOAC were prescribed for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in guideline-recommended doses in community-dwelling older adults. Older adults taking NOAC for non-valvular AF presenting to a cardiology outpatient clinic for the first time were included in the study. The NOAC dose for each patient was assessed based on the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology and were categorized as appropriate or inappropriate (low or high dose). The patients were also evaluated for demographic data, diseases, CHA2DS2-VASc score, HASBLED score, frailty and falls in the previous year. A total of 302 older adults were included in the study, with a mean age of 75.5 ± 7.5 years. One hundred eighty-four patients (60.9%) were found to be on appropriate doses of NOAC, while 109 (36.1%) were on inappropriately low doses and nine (2.98%) were on inappropriately high doses. Accordingly, 39.1% of the AF patients were found to be on inappropriate doses of NOAC, 92.4% of which were inappropriately low. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the only factor associated with inappropriate low-dose NOAC use was patient age (OR = 1.061, 95% CI = 1.009–1.116, p = 0.022). Our study suggests that the inappropriate use of lower dose NOAC may emerge as a significant problem in outpatient older adults. This inappropriate practice seems to be associated with older age rather than the diseases, CHA2DS2-VASc/HASBLED scores, frailty and presence of falls.

Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder that is associated with an increased likelihood of adverse outcomes, including mobility problems and mortality. To reach a global consensus for its standard definition and diagnosis, more recently, a revised EWGSOP consensus (EWGSOP2) has been published. In EWGSOP2 definition, sarcopenia has been regarded as skeletal muscle failure and low muscle strength has been put forward as its key defining characteristics. EWGSOP2 suggested the use of handgrip strength cutoff values calculated by mean minus 2.5 standard deviations of the young healthy population. In this report, following EWGSOP2's suggestion, we aimed to outline the handgrip strength cutoffs derived from a young Turkish reference population, and compare them with the other population-specific reports.

Dysphagia is one of the most common and important complications of stroke. It is an independent marker of poor outcome following acute stroke and it continues to be effective for many years. This consensus-based guideline is not only a good address to clinical questions in practice for the clinical management of dysphagia including management, diagnosis, follow-up, and rehabilitation methods, but also includes detailed algorithms for these topics. The recommendation paper has been written by a multidisciplinary team and offers 117 recommendations for stroke patients with dysphagia. While focusing on management principles, diagnosis, and follow-up in the 1st part (45 items), rehabilitation details were evaluated in the 2nd part (72 items).

To briefly present the current situation regarding Geriatric Medicine in Balkan countries and discuss possible perspectives of development by exchange and interaction with countries with more developed Geriatric Medicine. Balkan countries seem to encounter similar difficulties and share common challenges regarding under- and post-graduate education in geriatric medicine, accessibility to comprehensive geriatric assessment and response to special needs of older people in various clinical settings. Proposed solutions need to be pragmatic, effective, applicable in harmony with available services and adjusted to each country’s special context. InterEuropean networking, cooperation among countries under the auspices of EuGMS, and suitable application of experience from countries with developed Geriatrics, could contribute to the development of Geriatric Medicine in Balkan countries as well. To present an insight of the situation of geriatric medicine in Balkan countries, as it was presented in the context of the 2nd pre-congress seminar of the 16th European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) Congress Athens 2021. Representatives from 8 Balkan countries (Albania, Croatia, Greece, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey) answered 3 questions to reflect the state of geriatric medicine in their country: education on geriatrics; systems/methods for assessment of functional status and frailty; pre-operative risk assessment. An open discussion followed. Undergraduate education in geriatric medicine seems underestimated in medical faculties of Balkan countries, whereas a high heterogeneity is observed at a post-graduate level. Only a few Balkan countries have geriatric medicine as a recognized medical specialty or subspecialty. Functional status and frailty are only sporadically assessed, and pre-operative risk assessment is very rarely performed with a geriatric focus. Scarcity of expertise and structures relevant to geriatric medicine seems to be common. Developing a training curriculum and geriatrics-related structures are two interconnected aspects. Cooperation among physicians and multidisciplinary teams are essential for the practice of geriatric medicine. A functional geriatric network is eventually necessary and ambulatory geriatric expertise is probably a feasible and clinically relevant starting point. Providing pragmatic solutions to the pressing challenges in variable clinical settings, supplementing and working in harmony with existing components of each health system, is probably the most convincing strategy to gain political support in developing geriatric medicine. Balkan countries share common experiences and challenges in developing geriatrics. Whilst the principles of geriatric medicine are perhaps universal, proposed solutions should be adapted to each country’s specific circumstances. Cooperation of the Balkan countries could promote in each the development of geriatric medicine. EuGMS is willing to foster relevant actions.

Aim Low muscle mass (LMM) is a prerequisite to define sarcopenia. We aimed to report muscle-mass reference cut-off points adjusted for height and weight as muscle-mass threshold best discriminating muscle-weakness and adjusted for body mass index (BMI) significantly lower than that of healthy young population. Material and method We included young adults between 18 and 39 years and community dwelling older adults 60-99 years of age. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) was used to assess skeletal muscle mass. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) adjusted for height, weight, BMI were calculated [SMMI (height), SMMI (weight), SMMI (BMI)]. Handgrip strength was evaluated with Jamar hydraulic dynamometer for muscle-strength. SMMI (height) and SMMI (weight) cut-offs that predict low muscle-strength were calculated with receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. Low muscle-strength was evaluated by three different thresholds, i.e. 32 kg/22 kg, 30 kg/20 kg, 26 kg/16 kg in males/females. SMMI (BMI) cut-offs were calculated as "mean young SMMI (BMI)-two standard deviation." Results The young and older reference groups included 301 and 992 individuals, respectively. LMM cut-points for SMMI (height) were (i) 10.8 vs. 8.9 kg/m2 for 32/22 kg; 10.8 vs. 9.4 kg/m2 for 30/20 kg and 11.1 vs. 8.9 kg/m2 for the 26/16 kg thresholds, in males and females, respectively. LMM cut-points for the SMMI (weight) were 40.6% and 33.2% for the all three studied muscle-strength thresholds for males and females, respectively. For all the analyses sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios were not sufficiently high in both genders. The SMMI (BMI) cut-points were 1.049 vs. 0.823 kg/BMI for males and females, respectively. Conclusions We presented the very first cut-off thresholds for muscle-mass adjusted by height and weight that best discriminate muscle-weakness in the older adults and by BMI that is significantly lower than that of healthy young population. This study suggests that correlation between total skeletal muscle mass measured by BIA (either adjusted for height or weight) and muscle strength is low.

Globally, the number of drug prescriptions is increasing causing more adverse drug events, which is now a significant cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability that has reached epidemic proportions. The risk of adverse drug events is correlated to very old age, multiple co-morbidities, dementia, frailty, and limited life expectancy, with the major contributor being polypharmacy. Each characteristic alters the risk-benefit balance of medications, typically reducing anticipated benefits and amplifying risk. Current clinical guidelines are based on evidence proven in younger/healthier adult populations using a single disease model and their application to older adults with multimorbidity, in whom testing has not been conducted, yields a different risk-benefit prospect and makes inappropriate medication use and polypharmacy inevitable. Applying inappropriate clinical practice guidelines to older adults is antithetical to good healthcare, is likely to increase health inequity, and is associated with substantial negative clinical, economic, and social implications for health systems. The casualties are on the scale of a war or epidemic, yet are usually invisible in measures of healthcare quality and formal recommendations. Radical and rapid action is required to achieve a better quality of life for older populations and to remain true to the principles of medical professionalism and evidence-based medicine that place patients' interests and autonomy at the fore. This first International Group for Reducing Inappropriate Medication Use & Polypharmacy position statement briefly details the causes, consequences, and extent of inappropriate medication use and polypharmacy. This article outlines current strategies to reduce inappropriate medication use, provides evidence for their effect, and then proposes recommendations for moving forward with 10 recommendations for action and 12 recommendations for research. We conclude that an urgent integrated effort to reduce inappropriate medication use and polypharmacy should be a leading global target of the highest priority. The cornerstone of this position statement from the International Group for Reducing Inappropriate Medication Use & Polypharmacy is the understanding that without evidence of definite relevant benefit, when it comes to prescribing, for many older patients 'less is more'. This approach differs from most other current recommendations and guidance in medical care, as the focus is on what, when, and how to stop, rather than on when to start medications/interventions. Disrupting the framework that indiscriminately applies standard guidelines to older adults requires a new approach that better serves patients with multimorbidity. This transition requires a shift in medical education, research, and diagnostic frameworks, and re-examination of the measures used as quality indicators. In achieving this objective, we promote a return to some of the original concepts of evidence-based medicine: which considers scientific data (where it exists), clinical judgment, patient/family preference, and context. A shift is needed: from the current model that focuses on single conditions to one that simultaneously considers multiple conditions and patient priorities. This approach reframes the clinician's role as a professional providing care, rather than a disease technician.

Objective To assess whether low systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) due to antihypertensive medications might be related to mortality among nursing home (NH) residents. Design Observational, longitudinal. Setting Nursing home. Participants Age ≥60 years, receiving antihypertensive medications. Measurements Demographic characteristics, mobility status, number of chronic diseases and drugs, nutritional status, and antihypertensive medications were noted. At the first visit, we recorded blood pressure (BP) measurements of last 1 year, which were measured regularly at 2-week intervals and considered their mean values. SBP and DBP thresholds were analyzed for mortality by ROC analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine factors related to mortality. Results The sample included 253 residents with a mean age of 75.7 ± 8.7 years, and 66% were male. Residents were evaluated at a mean follow-up time of 14.3 ± 5.2 months (median: 15) for short-term mortality and 31.6 ± 14.3 months (median: 40) for long-term mortality. The prevalence of low SBP (≤110 mm Hg) and low DBP (≤65 mm Hg) was 34.8% and 15.8%, respectively. In follow-up, the short-term mortality rate was 21.7% (n = 55) and the long-term mortality rate was 42.2% (n = 107). Low SBP (≤110 mm Hg) was related to mortality in short- and long-term follow-ups [short-term follow-up: hazard ratio (HR) 3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-8.6, P = .01; long-term follow-up: HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0, P = .02], adjusted for age, mobility status, nutritional state, and total number of diseases and drugs. Low DBP (≤65 mm Hg) was related to mortality in short- and long-term follow-ups [short-term follow-up: HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.8, P = .02, long-term follow-up: HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.2, P = .001], adjusted for age, mobility status, nutritional state, and total number of diseases and drugs. Conclusions and Implications Systolic hypotension was found in more than one-third of the NH residents receiving antihypertensive treatment. Low SBP and DBP were significant factors associated with mortality. Particular attention should be paid to prevent low SBP and DBP in NH residents on antihypertensive treatment.