Authors' objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, cost-effectiveness and organisational issues related to the bio-electrical impedance analysis for the assessment of sarcopenia in elderly.

Authors' results and conclusions: The evidence showed bio-electrical impedance analysis correlated well with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging-measured in measuring muscle mass, appendicular skeletal muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index. However, evidence also showed that bio-electrical impedance analysis may over and underestimate the measurement of fat mass, fat-free mass, lean soft tissue and appendicular skeletal muscle mass especially in obesity, very old patients and patients with prosthesis. Despite an increased arrhythmic potential on inotropic support or the presence of implanted electronic devices, a bio-electrical impedance analysis was reported as safe. The estimated cost per test was reported between $15 (RM 66.92) and $150 (RM 669.23). The cost was determined by the location and the level of professional consultation.

Authors' recommendations: Based on the review, bio-electrical impedance analysis may be used for early assessment of sarcopenia in non-obese elderly with no prosthesis.

Authors' methods: Electronic databases were searched through the Ovid interface; Ovid MEDLINE(R) In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Ovid MEDLINE(R) 1946 to 11 January 2023, Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process, In-Data-Review & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily 1946 to January 11, 2023, Ovid MEDLINE(R) and In-Process, In-Data-Review & Other Non-Indexed Citations 1946 to January 11, 2023, Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process, In-Data-Review & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily 2017 to January 11, 2023, Ovid MEDLINE(R) 1946 to January Week 1 2023, Ovid MEDLINE(R) 1996 to January Week 1 2023, Ovid MEDLINE(R) Epub Ahead of Print January 11, 2023, Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily Update January 11, 2023 and Ovid MEDLINE(R) 2017 to January Week 1 2023. Searches were also run in PubMed, INAHTA, Cochrane Library and US Food and Drug Administration. Google was used to search for additional web-based materials and information. Additional articles were identified from reviewing the references of retrieved articles. Last search was conducted on 12 January 2023.

Authors' identified further research: -

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2023

URL for published report: https://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/30/403

Requestor: Ministry of Health

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Mini HTA

Country: Malaysia

Organisation Name: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Level 4, Block E1, Parcel E, 62590 Putrajaya Malaysia Tel: +603 8883 1229

Contact Name: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Contact Email: htamalaysia@moh.gov.my

Copyright: Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS)