Pathophysiological mechanisms of malnutrition-associated secondary sarcopenia in infected necrotizing pancreatitis

Abstract

Infected necrotizing pancreatitis is characterized by a pronounced hypercatabolic state leading to rapid loss of skeletal muscle mass. In cohorts of patients with severe disease, the prevalence of sarcopenia may reach up to 80%. However, its true frequency is likely underestimated due to the limited ability to perform timely objective assessment of skeletal muscle parameters in critically ill patients. This highlights the need for a more in-depth understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of muscle catabolism and for improving approaches to the early diagnosis of sarcopenia in this patient population.