Comparative analysis of hand-held and stationary ultrasound for detection of sarcopenia in acutely hospitalised older adults—a validity and reliability study.

Key summary points: Aim: To compare hand-held ultrasound (HH-US) to stationary ultrasound (S-US) in muscle assessment for detection of sarcopenia in acutely hospitalised older adults. Findings: Rater 1 had 'substantial' agreement between HH-US and S-US (κ = 0.77), whereas Rater 2 had 'almost perfect' agreement (κ = 0.92). Finally, no significant differences were seen on any US variables among the two raters when comparing the results from both HH-US and S-US. Message: HH-US scanners could be feasible, valid, and reliable for detection of loss of muscle mass associated with sarcopenia in acutely admitted older patients, in the hands of an experienced examiner. Background and purpose: Sarcopenia is a growing health concern among geriatric patients. Early diagnostics is importance to intervene and better muscle status and thus physical function. Ultrasound can be a valuable tool for patient-near diagnostics of sarcopenia. In recent time, ultrasound devices have evolved from larger stationary devices to minor hand-held devices that are more portable. However, the literature lacks research comparing quality of the different devices. The purpose of this study was to compare hand-held ultrasound (HH-US) to stationary ultrasound (S-US) in muscle assessment for detection of sarcopenia in acutely hospitalized older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of acutely admitted older patients examined with both HH-US and S-US within a single session by the same examiner. Image analysis was performed using ImageJ, and was conducted by two raters: Rater 2 an experienced US examiner and Rater 1 an US examiner who received training from Rater 2. The Ultrasound sarcopenia index (USI) was used for evaluating sarcopenia. Validity and reliability of HH-US were analyzed using Cohen's Kappa and Student's t-test. Results: 21 participants (mean age 83.4 years, 52% female). Results showed "substantial" intra-rater reliability (κ = 0.77 for Rater 1) and 'near-perfect' validity (κ = 0.92 for Rater 2). Inter-rater comparisons revealed no significant differences (p < 0.05). Conclusion: HH-US is a potential method for detection of sarcopenia in acutely hospitalized older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]