Factors contributing to sarcopenia following a transplant:
(1) pre-transplant sarcopenia
(2) malnutrition before and after the transplant
(3) protein catabolism in the perioperative period
(4) intensive care myopathy
(5) medications including immunosuppressive agents
(6) posttransplant infections
(7) comorbidities such as renal failure
(8) lack of rehabilitation and exercise
(9) easy fatigability
Management:
(1) Identify a patient at risk for sarcopenia.
(2) Quantify nutritional status and muscle mass.
(3) Initiate a dietary and exercise plan to improve muscle mass.
