Clinical Characteristics of Sarcopenia in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systemic Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: This systematic scoping review aims to synthesize research findings on the clinical manifestations in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and sarcopenia, focusing on studies published between December 2013 and December 2023. Summary: We conducted a comprehensive systematic scoping review of five databases and identified 312 articles, with 9 studies included in the final review. Most were cross-sectional investigations, and 70% were from Asian cohorts. A comparative analysis revealed that patients with both NAFLD and sarcopenia tended to be older, had a higher body mass index, and a higher prevalence among females. These findings emphasize the role of unhealthy lifestyles and obesity. Common comorbidities included metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes. However, the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria poses a significant challenge in accurately identifying this patient subgroup. Key Messages: This review highlights distinct clinical characteristics in NAFLD patients with sarcopenia, such as older age, higher body mass index, and a higher prevalence in females. Comorbidities also play a significant role. However, the lack of comprehensive studies limits early detection and intervention. Future research should address these gaps by developing standardized diagnostic criteria and effective management strategies for this patient group.