TITLE:
Prevalence and Factors Increasing the Risk of Sarcopenia among Patients with Kidney Disease Followed up at the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Elimby Ngande Lionel Patrick Joel, Nguea Ndjame Arlette, Fouda Menye Epouse Ebana Hermine Danielle
KEYWORDS:
Kidney Disease, Sarcopenia, Prevalence, Risk, Douala General Hospital
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nephrology,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Sarcopenia is an important prognostic factor for patients with kidney disease. In a context marked by the poor prognosis of these patients, we aimed to explore the factors that could potentially worsen outcomes. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence and identify factors increasing the risk of sarcopenia among patients with kidney disease followed up at Douala General Hospital (DGH). Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the nephrology department of DGH over a 6-month period, including 302 patients with kidney disease. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from each participant using a structured questionnaire and their medical records. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was made according to the EWGSOP2 recommendations. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia. Results: The mean age of patients was 61 ± 13 years, with most being in the 50 - 64-year age group (n = 127, 42%) and male (n = 159, 53%). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 28.8%. Probable sarcopenia was observed in 50 patients (16.6%), confirmed sarcopenia in 9.3% and severe sarcopenia in 3%. The risk of sarcopenia increased among patients older than 65 years (aOR = 19.4, 95% CI: 2.25 - 445; p = 0.017), those consuming alcohol (aOR = 7.88, 95% CI: 2.82 - 25.1; p Conclusion: The prevalence of sarcopenia was substantial in our sample, and its risk was increased by older age, type II diabetes, alcohol consumption, advanced CKD stage, and elevated serum IL-6 levels.