Interest of a Tongue Strength Measurement in the Screening for Sarcopenia in Hospitalized Elderly Patients

Summary

Sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength and function that increases the risk of physical dependence, impaired quality of life and mortality. This is a major public health problem. Indeed, its prevalence has been estimated at 63.8% for elderly patients hospitalized in acute geriatric unit.

Several methods of sarcopenia screening exist at present. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) proposes to carry out three examinations for the diagnosis of sarcopenia: the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) test and two motor tests (walking speed and hand test). These measurements have already been evaluated and validated. They are reliable, inexpensive and easily achievable in clinical routine.

Recent studies have shown that decreased muscle mass and / or strength could be associated with dysphagia. Indeed, many muscles of the head and neck are simultaneously solicited for swallowing coordination. This suggests that a reduction in the mass or strength of these muscles could impact the swallowing function. The investigator's hypothesize that loss of lingual muscle strength may be associated with sarcopenia. The study will measure the tongue strength using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) in a geriatric population with or without sarcopenia.

* Determine the incidence of lingual hypotonia in hospitalized elderly sarcopenia patients.
* To compare the sensitivity, the specificity of the measurement of the force of the tongue with the usual measures proposed by the EWGSOP in the context of screening for sarcopenia.

Conditions

• Sarcopenia

Interventions

DEVICE

Tongue strength measurement

The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument is a validated device for assessing the strength of the tongue. This involves placing the tip of a tube in the mouth and asking the patient to exert pressure on it.

PROCEDURE

Blood sampling

Blood sampling

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE)

Also called Folstein test, it is an assessment of the patient cognitive and memory functions. It detects cognitive disorders or dementia. The MMSE is quickly realizable and explores several cognitive functions through 30 questions divided into 7 items.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Minimal nutritional assessment (MNA-SF)

The minimal nutritional assessment - short form is a simple, non - invasive and validated scale for the detection of malnutrition in the elderly patient.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA)

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is the imaging technique recommended for the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

DEVICE

Dynamometer (Hand grip )

By placing a dynamometer in the patient's hand and asking him to apply maximum pressure to it, the muscular strength of the extremities of the limbs is estimated.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Walking speed

Walking speed evaluates the muscular performance. The seated patient must get up and walk a distance of 6 meters as quickly as possible without the help of a third party.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Murielle Surquin

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Alexandrine de Buck van Overstraeten, MD · CHU Brugmann

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-02-07

Primary Completion

2019-01-01

Completion

2019-01-01

Countries

• Belgium

Study Locations