Estimation of skeletal muscle mass in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 and 10.

BACKGROUND

Neurodegenerative diseases may progress to a level in which patients present spontaneous weight loss, resulting in increased falls and functional disabilities when the disease is associated with muscle mass depletion.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the muscle compartment in patients presenting spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 3 and 10.

METHODS

Forty-six patients presenting SCA type 3 and 10 were assessed and 76 volunteers were selected to the control group. In order to evaluate the muscle compartment, muscle mass anthropometric measurements were assessed and total skeletal muscle mass calculated through a predictive equation.

RESULTS

Women with SCA3 presented greater weight loss and muscle mass reduction compared to those with SCA10 and the control group. Among the predictive measurements, calf muscle circumference showed a more significant correlation with total skeletal muscle mass (p = 0.718).

CONCLUSION

Patients presenting both types of ataxia did not show severe depletion in their nutritional status; however, those with SCA3 displayed greater weight loss and muscle mass reduction compared to the SCA10 group.