Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness for nutritional assessment: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to systematically review the scientific findings about the efficacy of the measure of the Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness for nutritional assessment of individuals in various clinical conditions. Method: Systematic review study performed according to the methodology Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: 13 original articles published between 2004 and 2016 were included. The measure was associated/correlated to parameters of nutritional status (such as weight, body mass index and Global Subjective Assessment) and muscle mass markers (such as circumference brachial muscle circumference, brachial muscle area, calf circumference, and muscle mass). All these correlations were weak or moderate. Conclusion: The measurement can be used in different populations, being able to estimate nutritional status and muscle mass. However, it is suggested that it be used in a complementary way to the nutritional evaluation, not constituting a single diagnostic/monitoring parameter.