Feasibility of a screening and prevention procedure for risks associated with dysphagia in older patients in geriatric units: the DYSPHAGING pilot study protocol.

Background: Dysphagia, particularly sarcopenic dysphagia, is frequent in frail older patients. Sarcopenic dysphagia is a swallowing disorder caused by sarcopenia, corresponding to a loss of muscle mass and strength. It frequently leads to inhalation and to the decrease of food intake, leading the patient to enter a vicious circle of chronic malnutrition and frailty.

FGF19 and muscle architecture in older patients.

Background: Sarcopenia has a significant medical and economic impact. Serum fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) has recently been described as promoting muscle mass and strength, and could be an interesting marker for early diagnosis of sarcopenia and prevention of its consequences. Ultrasound is a robust non-invasive technique used to measure muscle parameters, which cannot be evaluated by usual body composition measures, but are known to be associated with muscle function.