RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Influence of Sarcopenia on the Course of the Diseases

This research is investigating sarcopenia, a condition where people lose muscle mass, strength, and function. Sarcopenia is common in elderly people but also affects those with severe diseases like certain cancers or liver cirrhosis. Currently, checking for sarcopenia often involves complex scans that expose patients to radiation or are expensive. This study aims to find simpler, safer ways to measure sarcopenia using ultrasound scans and blood tests. By spotting sarcopenia earlier, doctors hope to better understand how a person's illness might progress and plan their care more effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the lives of patients suffering from these conditions.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Universitatsmedizin Mainz - 1. Medizinische Klinik

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2028

Liver Cirrhosis Cancer Cachexia Sarcopenia Mechanical Ventilation

What is this study about?

This study is exploring a health condition called 'frailty', which makes people more vulnerable to illnesses and slows down their recovery. Frailty often involves losing muscle, which doctors call 'sarcopenia'. While it's more common in older people, sarcopenia can also affect individuals with serious health problems, especially those with certain cancers or liver diseases.

Currently, finding out if someone has sarcopenia usually involves complicated tests like CT scans, which use X-rays, or other advanced equipment. These tests can be costly, involve radiation, or aren't always easy to access. This research hopes to find much simpler, more patient-friendly ways to measure muscle health. We're investigating whether using simple ultrasound scans – the same safe technology used to look at babies before they're born – and basic blood tests can help doctors spot sarcopenia earlier and more easily.

By getting a clearer picture of a patient's muscle health, doctors believe they can better understand how their illness might develop. This understanding could help healthcare teams provide more tailored care and support, potentially improving how patients cope with their conditions and enhancing their overall quality of life. This study is an important step towards making sarcopenia diagnosis more routine and accessible for those who need it.

Key takeaways

Sarcopenia (muscle loss) affects people with serious illnesses.
Current tests for sarcopenia can be complex and involve radiation.
This study explores using simple ultrasound and blood tests as alternatives.
The goal is to diagnose sarcopenia earlier to improve patient care.
Participation could help future patients with similar conditions.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are aged 18 or over. We are including patients who have certain types of cancer, specifically those affecting the stomach and bowel (gastrointestinal tumours). We are also keen to hear from patients who have liver cirrhosis, which is a severe form of liver disease.

Another group of people who can take part are those currently receiving care in an intensive care unit (ICU). We want to include both men and women in this research.

However, there are some reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if a patient is unable to give their clear agreement to take part, they won't be included. Also, people who have muscle conditions that they were born with (congenital muscle diseases) will not be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a type of cancer affecting the stomach or bowel?
Do you have liver cirrhosis?
Are you currently receiving care in an intensive care unit?
Have you been diagnosed with a muscle condition you were born with? (If yes, you may not be able to participate.)

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The detailed description of what taking part involves is not provided in the original text. However, based on the brief summary and detailed description, participation would likely involve having one or more ultrasound scans, particularly of your thigh muscles and a muscle called the psoas. You would also likely have blood samples taken for 'serological muscle markers' – essentially blood tests to look for signs of muscle health. The total duration of your involvement isn't specified, but the aim is to estimate prognosis at an 'early stage', suggesting initial assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to medical knowledge that could lead to better and simpler ways to diagnose muscle weakness in the future. This might help doctors provide more targeted care for patients with conditions like cancer or liver disease. The main risks would likely be minimal, associated with routine blood tests (like brief discomfort or bruising) and ultrasound scans, which are generally very safe and do not use radiation. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this decision would not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Universitatsmedizin Mainz
Verified postcode
Mainz, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is a condition where you lose muscle mass, strength, and how well your muscles work, often linked to ageing or serious illness.

Why is this study important?

It aims to find simpler, safer ways (like ultrasound and blood tests) to detect muscle loss, which could help doctors better plan care for patients with serious diseases.

Who can take part in this study?

Patients over 18 with certain cancers (like stomach/bowel cancer), liver cirrhosis, or those in intensive care are being considered.

What does an ultrasound scan involve?

It's a painless procedure where a probe is moved over your skin to create images of your muscles using sound waves.

Will I get my test results?

The study description doesn't specify if individual results will be shared, but the overall findings will help improve future patient care.

How to find out more

Wolfgang Maximilian Kremer Kremer, MD

maximilian.kremer@unimedizin-mainz.de 00496131175711 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.