Fat mass loss correlates with faster disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients: Exploring the utility of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in a prospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objective

Weight loss is a predictor of shorter survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We performed serial measures of body composition using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) in ALS patients to explore its utility as a biomarker of disease progression.

Methods

DEXA data were obtained from participants with ALS (enrollment, at 6- and 12- months follow ups) and Parkinson's disease (enrollment and at 4-month follow up) as a comparator group. Body mass index, total lean mass index, appendicular lean mass index, total fat mass index, and percentage body fat at enrollment were compared between the ALS and PD cohorts and age-matched normative data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Estimated monthly changes of bo

SUBMITTER: Lee I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8101939 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature