Muscle Mass and Function in COVID-19

Loss of muscle mass and function (sarcopenia) may result from both acute and chronic diseases and, as in a vicious cycle, deeply impacts short- and long-term clinical outcomes. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), predominantly and more severely affects elderly people with chronic diseases such as arterial hypertension, overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. These chronic conditions are often associated with sarcopenia in older individuals. It is therefore possible that sarcopenia itself is a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and critical illness. It should also be highlighted that COVID-19, especially in its severe forms, involves marked elevation in inflammatory cytokines and prolonged immobilization, and is in fact associated with clinically significant weight loss. Thus, sarcopenia may be a risk factor for COVID-19, while at the same time, COVID-19 infection and subsequent hospitalization may be an underestimated driver of cachexia and sarcopenia. Despite the potential clinical relevance of sarcopenia in COVID-19, little evidence is available in the literature to date.

The aim of this Research Topic is to emphasize the role of sarcopenia in COVID-19. We will welcome Clinical Trial, Original Research, Review and Systematic Review articles focused on answering the following questions:

1. What is the role of sarcopenia in SARS-CoV-2 infection and in determining clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients?
2. What is the effect of COVID-19 on weight and body composition, and how these changes impact clinical outcomes?
3. What are the possible preventative and therapeutic strategies that could be implemented to identify and manage patients with or at risk of developing sarcopenia during COVID-19?