Advances in research on acute sarcopenia in older adults

Acute sarcopenia is a muscle disorder commonly observed in the elderly, primarily triggered by acute diseases, surgeries, or hospitalization-related stress events, and is characterized by a rapid loss of muscle mass and function. With the acceleration of global population aging, acute sarcopenia has emerged as a critical public health challenge, exerting a substantial negative impact on patients' quality of life and clinical prognosis. The development of sarcopenia is closely associated with age-related physiological changes, including a gradual reduction in physical activity and progressive physiological muscle decline. These changes are often exacerbated by comorbid factors such as frailty, malnutrition, and osteoporosis, which increase the risk of sarcopenia. Research indicates a high incidence of acute sarcopenia among hospitalized elderly patients. However, due to the lack of routine muscle mass and function assessments in clinical practice, diagnostic rates remain low and actual prevalence is likely underestimated. Acute sarcopenia not only prolongs patient hospitalization but also increases complications and mortality risks, thereby markedly worsening patient outcomes and life quality. The pathogenesis of acute sarcopenia is complex, primarily involving muscle disuse, inflammatory responses, endocrine disorders, and mitochondrial damage. Intervention strategies for acute sarcopenia encompass exercise training, nutritional interventions, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and pharmacological treatments. Despite notable research progress, significant challenges remain in elucidating the molecular mechanisms, establishing diagnostic standards, and developing therapeutic strategies. Future research should prioritize the identification of early diagnostic markers, the optimization of personalized treatment approaches, and the establishment of multidisciplinary diagnostic and management models led by geriatric medicine to enhance clinical outcomes. Accordingly, this review comprehensively summarizes the latest research advances in acute sarcopenia, including its definition, epidemiological characteristics, pathogenesis, treatment strategies, and preventive measures, aiming to provide clinicians with effective diagnostic and therapeutic insights and directions for future investigations.