Pediatric Sarcopenia: What do We Know?

Marques, M; Baptista, F

Publication

Pediatric Sarcopenia: What do We Know?

2025-10-27Journal article

dc.contributor.author	Marques, M
dc.contributor.author	Baptista, F
dc.date.accessioned	2025-10-19T16:12:20Z
dc.date.available	2025-10-19T16:12:20Z
dc.date.issued	2025-10-27
dc.description.abstract	Pediatric sarcopenia is an emerging health issue that affects muscle development, strength, and overall well-being in children and adolescents. While it was initially linked to aging, recent studies highlight its presence in younger populations, particularly among those with chronic conditions. This condition affects growth and neurodevelopment in the short term and is associated with an increased risk of long-term complications, namely metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Several factors contribute to pediatric sarcopenia, including inadequate prenatal nutrition, low birth weight, genetic susceptibility, insufficient dietary protein intake, sedentary behaviors, obesity, metabolic imbalances, and chronic illnesses. Reduced muscle mass impairs bone health, delays growth spurts, and affects physical performance, which may result in a lower quality of life. In children with chronic diseases, sarcopenia exacerbates clinical outcomes, prolongs hospital stays, and increases the likelihood of complications. Diagnosing sarcopenia in children is complex due to differing growth patterns. Existing assessment methods, such as imaging techniques and body composition analysis, lack standardized reference values tailored to pediatric populations, which makes early detection challenging. Preventive strategies emphasize physical activity, especially resistance exercises (muscle strengthening), reduced screen time, improved dietary habits, and sleep hygiene. Innovative treatments are being explored, including targeted drug delivery to the muscle to minimize side effects, regenerative approaches utilizing nanoparticles, and myostatin inhibitors for stimulating muscle growth. Stem cell therapy and biomaterial-based muscle reconstruction are also under investigation; however, pediatric-specific therapeutic guidelines remain undefined. Early intervention is crucial for reducing its negative effects and fostering healthier developmental paths.	eng
dc.identifier.doi	10.20344/amp.23301
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/59268
dc.language.iso	eng
dc.peerreviewed	yes
dc.rights.uri	http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
dc.subject	Child
dc.subject	Sarcopenia/diagnosis
dc.subject	Sarcopenia/etiology
dc.subject	Sarcopenia/prevention and control
dc.title	Pediatric Sarcopenia: What do We Know?	eng
dc.title.alternative	Sarcopenia Pediátrica: O que Sabemos?	por
dc.type	journal article
dspace.entity.type	Publication
oaire.version	http://purl.org/coar/version/c_970fb48d4fbd8a85