Sarcopenia is defined by both decrease in muscle mass and function leading to fragility and death. Early identification of sarcopenic patients may help to improve morbidity and mortality of such patients. No data are available in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) waiting for trans-cutaneaous aortic-valve implantation (TAVI). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact in patients with severe AS.

In a single center prospective study, sarcopenia screening and its impact were systematically conducted in 127 patients with AS waiting for TAVI, according to the EWGSOP criteria and algorithm.

The prevalence of sarcopenia was 53.5%. Sarcopenic patients were older (83±4.9 vs. 81.3±5.8 years old, P=0.02), with a lower body mass index (26.4±3.9 vs. 31.0±5.8kg/m², P<0.001), more often male (67.7% vs. 40.7%, P=0.02) and less with diabetes mellitus (19,1% vs. 45,8%, P<0.001). Length of stay was increased after TAVI in the sarcopenic group (8.12±4.8 days vs. 7.08±3.1 days, P=0,05). Nutritional blood biomarkers such as PINI is lower in sarcopenic group (8.3±18.1 vs. 22.14±69.2, P=0.52). NT-proBNP, LVEF (42.0±14.4% in the whole population, P=0.428) and type of heart disease did not differ between groups. No difference was observed concerning autonomic scales and cardiac parameters (ECG and trans-thoracic echocardiographic).

Over 50% of patients with aortic stenosis waiting for TAVI are sarcopenic. More data and studies are needed to evaluate the benefit of TAVI in sarcopenic patients and the management of such patients.