The authors reply: Letter on: "Pitfalls in the measurement of muscle mass: a need for a reference standard" by Clark et al.

However, semantics aside, we think that DXA can indeed serve as a reference standard for measuring muscle mass. Obviously, CT and MRI are advanced techniques that can and have been used to obtain important information such as muscle size/volume and more recently amount and distribution of intra- and intermuscular adipose tissue. Also individual muscles can be assessed separately.

Serum albumin level and long-term outcome in acute heart failure.

Hypoalbuminemia is common in heart failure (HF), especially in elderly patients. It is associated with an increased risk of death. The present study sought to examine the prognostic significance of serum albumin level in the prediction of long-term mortality in patients admitted for acute HF.

Assessment of the energy expenditure of Belgian nursing home residents using indirect calorimetry.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the energy expenditure of Belgian nursing home residents using indirect calorimetry and compare the energy expenditure with energy intake.

Methods: Indirect calorimetry was performed in nursing home residents to estimate their basal metabolism. The basal metabolism was multiplied by a physical activity level coefficient and energy expenditure that was related to thermogenesis (i.

Pitfalls in the measurement of muscle mass: a need for a reference standard.

Background: All proposed definitions of sarcopenia include the measurement of muscle mass, but the techniques and threshold values used vary. Indeed, the literature does not establish consensus on the best technique for measuring lean body mass. Thus, the objective measurement of sarcopenia is hampered by limitations intrinsic to assessment tools.

Serum albumin level and hospital mortality in acute non-ischemic heart failure.

Aims: Hypoalbuminemia is common in heart failure (HF), especially in elderly patients. It is associated with an increased risk of death. The present study sought to examine the prognostic significance of serum albumin level in the prediction of hospital mortality in patients admitted for acute non-ischemic HF.

[Promoting factors of laryngeal penetrations in elderly].

Background: Swallowing disorders are common among elderly patients. Laryngeal penetration is among the most serious complications, resulting in airway obstruction, aspiration pneumonia or pneumonitis. Early diagnosis is therefore very important.