Computed tomography‐determined skeletal muscle density predicts 3‐year mortality in initial‐dialysis patients in China

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle mass and quality assessed by computed tomography (CT) images of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level have been established as risk factors for poor clinical outcomes in several illnesses, but the relevance for dialysis patients is unclear. A few studies have suggested a correlation between CT-determined skeletal muscle mass and quality at the first lumbar vertebra (L1) level and adverse outcomes. Generally, chest CT does not reach beyond L1. We aimed to determine whether opportunistic CT scan (chest CT)-determined skeletal muscle mass and quality at L1 are associated with mortality in initial-dialysis patients. METHODS: ] and quality [by skeletal muscle density (SMD), HU]. Skeletal muscle measures at L1 were compared with those at L3. The sex-specific optimal…