Open AccessUsefulness of Psoas Muscle Cross-Sectional Area in Evaluating Physical Performance in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis
Author(s) -
Jang Bo-Seong,
Choi Han-Eum,
Jae-Hyun Lee,
Young-Je Sim,
Ghi-Chan Kim,
Ho-Joong Jeong
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
gosin daehakgyo uigwa daehak haksulji/kosin medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2586-7024
pISSN - 2005-9531
DOI - 10.7180/kmj.2020.35.2.133
Subject(s) - medicine , cirrhosis , cross sectional study , ambulatory , psoas muscles , surgery , pathology
Objectives To investigate the relationship between the psoas muscle cross-sectional area and physical performance in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods This study analyzed ambulatory patients with liver cirrhosis aged < 65 years, who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) tests from December 2018 to December 2019. A total of 46 patients (36 men, 10 women) were included. In abdominal CT scans, the psoas muscle cross-sectional area (mm 2 ) was measured at the distal end-plate level of the L4 vertebral body and normalized by dividing by height (m). Physical performance was evaluated using SPPB. A correlation analysis between the psoas muscle cross-sectional area and SPPB was performed. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine differences in the psoas muscle cross-sectional area and SPPB according to the Child-Pugh classification. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine factors affecting SPPB. Results The correlation coefficient between the psoas muscle cross-sectional area and SPPB was 0.459 at the P < 0.01 level. No difference was observed in the psoas muscle cross-sectional area and SPPB according to the Child-Pugh classification. The psoas muscle cross-sectional area was a factor affecting SPPB in multiple regression analysis. Conclusions Abdominal CT is an essential diagnostic tool in patients with liver cirrhosis. Ambulatory patients with liver cirrhosis aged < 65 years could have reduced physical performance. In this study, the psoas muscle cross-sectional area was correlated with physical performance and was a factor affecting physical performance. The psoas muscle cross-sectional area and physical performance should be evaluated in patients with liver cirrhosis.