Hyperhomocysteinemia Associated with Low Muscle Mass, Muscle Function in Elderly Hemodialysis Patients: An Analysis of Multiple Dialysis Centers

Background. The hyperhomocysteinemia was with high prevalence and has been considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients. These patients also experienced a high risk of muscle wasting caused by the comorbidity, malnutrition, and low physical activity. We investigated the associations of homocysteinemia with muscle mass, muscle function in elderly hemodialysis patients. Methods. A clinical cross-sectional study was conducted on 138 hemodialysis patients aged 65 years and above in seven hospital-based hemodialysis centers in Taiwan. The data on anthropometry, laboratory, and 3-day dietary intake was examined. The skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was measured by the bioelectrical impedance analysis; the SMM was adjusted by height or weight as SMMHt2 (kg/m²) and SMMWt (%). Muscle function was defined as handgrip strength (HGS) (kg) measured by handgrip dynamometer. Statistical analyses were conducted using simple regression and multivariable stepwise regression analysis. Results. In the total sample, 74.6 % of hemodialysis patients were hyperhomocysteinemia (≥ 15 μmol/L). The means of SMMHt2, SMMWt, arm lean mass, hand grip strength, and muscle quality were 8.7 ± 1.2, 37.7 ± 5.6, 1.7 ± 0.5, 21.1 ± 7.4, and 10.0 ± 3.0, respectively. The multivariable stepwise regression analysis showed that homocysteinemia level was significantly inversely associated with SMMWt (B-coeff. =-0.03, p = 0.02) in hemodialysis patients above 65 years old, but not with muscle function. Conclusions. Hyperhomocysteinemia is common and associated with decreased muscle mass in the elderly hemodialysis patients. Future studies are suggested to explore the impact of the homocysteine-lowering therapy on muscle decline.