Pre-Symposium:

Defining Sarcopenia — an Evidence-Based Approach

Mini-Symposium in Conjunction with the 8th International Symposium on In-vivo Body Composition Studies (advanced registration is not required)

Time: July 9, 2008 8-12 am
Place: Columbia University, New York
Co-chairs: Tamara Harris, MD, National Institute on Aging, U.S. & Zhao Chen, PhD, MPH, University of Arizona, U.S.
Organizing Committee Members: Marjolein Visser, PhD, VU University Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Lynn Marshall, ScD, Oregon Health and Science University, U.S.; Scott Going, PhD, University of Arizona, U.S.

The involuntary age-related decline in muscle mass and strength among relatively healthy elderly adults has been termed sarcopenia. It may underlie functional deterioration ultimately leading to disability, changes in metabolism contributing to chronic diseases, and increased risk for falls and osteoporotic fractures among elderly populations. Sarcopenia occurs as a continuum of progressive decline in skeletal muscle mass, composition and strength. Such progression typically has been represented by measures of muscle mass or strength. While a number of definitions based primarily on low skeletal muscle mass have been proposed to classify sarcopenia, no standard exists.

The overall goal of this symposium is to facilitate the advancement of sarcopenia research, clinical management, and prevention programs by providing an evidence-based approach for the development of a standard sarcopenia definition.

Objectives:

  • Evaluate different sarcopenia definitions against longitudinal outcomes
    We will first evaluate the utility of different skeletal muscle mass based sarcopenia definitions in large cohort studies that have Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) derived body composition measurements. Selected follow-up measurements, such as disability, strength changes, physical performance and mortality will be used as sarcopenia outcomes separately and in combination in longitudinal data analyses. The results will be presented and discussed at the mini-symposium.

  • Discuss possible sarcopena definitions with international investigators
    Following the scientific presentations of results from the cohort studies, the co-chairs will lead a discussion with the presenters and international participants on a DXA- derived operational definition for sarcopenia.

  • Initiate the development of manuscripts and consensus for publication
    Based on the meeting presentations and discussions, manuscripts and a consensus will be developed to support a standard sarcopenia definition for future research and clinical practice. The organizing committee of the symposium will be responsible for developing a consensus with an expert panel and for disseminating the results of the consensus development through presentations and publications.

For more information, please e-mail sarcopenia@ibc2008.com.

Scientific Program
8:00 am -12:00 noon
July 9, 2008

Time Topic Speaker
8:00-8:05 am Symposium overview Zhao Chen, PhD
8:05-8:20 am Sarcopenia definition: why and how? Scott Going, PhD
8:20-8:50 am NHANES data on sarcopenia Tamara Harris, MD
8:50-9:20 am Sarcopenia results from Mr. OS Lynn Marshall, ScD
9:20-9:45 am Sarcopenia in the WHI women Zhao Chen, PhD
9:45-10:00 am Coffee Break  
10:00-10:30 am Sarcopenia in the European population Marjolein Visser, PhD
10:30-10.55 am Summary of the Health ABC results Tamara Harris, MD
11:55-11:15 am Technical and clinical considerations in human DXA body composition studies Thomas Kelly, PhD
11:15-11:55 am Questions and answers Tamara Harris, MD
11:55-12:00 am Future plan and closing Zhao Chen, PhD

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