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SARCOPENIA

Background

Sarcopenia is a condition that causes slow, long-term decay of the muscles used in movement. This results in weakness, reduced capacity for physical activity and increased risk of falls- greatly impacting one’s quality of life, as well as health and safety. Whilst sarcopenia has generally been linked to aging and the elderly population, new research suggests it may also occur in individuals of all age groups suffering from inflammation-associated disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and also cancer patients.

Click on image above to see Saskia Inniss - 3 minute thesis presentation on the impact of sarcopenia on Ustekinumab therapy in Crohn's disease

Research

Current research is focused on determining how individuals with inflammatory bowel disease respond to conventional therapy and how sarcopenia changes the outcome. We have an ongoing clinical observational study (IRAS 277231) across both University College Hospital and The Royal Free Hospital. 

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We have also recently run a questionnaire to help determine the extent of peoples knowledge of sarcopenia and its impact on individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. Some of the findings can be found below.

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Publications

Two-year real-world outcome data from a single tertiary centre shows reduced ustekinumab persistence in a non-bio-naïve Crohn’s disease cohort with penetrating disease, ostomies and sarcopenia.

S Inniss ,KC Fragkos et al FZ Rahman

Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease 2023;14

https://doi.org/10.1177/20406223231189072

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P508 Sarcopenia is associated with increased rates of infectious post-operative complications in Crohn’s disease patients 

K Simpson, S Inniss, KC Fragkos, CPJ Wood, A Smith, FZ Rahman

Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, Volume 17, Issue Supplement_1, February 2023, Pages i639–i640, 

https://doi.org/10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac190.0638

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Is sarcopenia associated with micronutrient deficiencies in Crohn’s disease patients?

Inniss, S, Smith AM, Rahman FZ.

Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 2024. Volume 63, 1167

DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.07.601

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More information on sarcopenia and malnutrition can be found via clicking on the image below.

The LGLN is a forum for scientists, clinicians and other interested investigators to connect over their shared enthusiasm for gastroenterology and hepatology translational research. To find out more and joint the network click on the image.

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