Preoperative low handgrip strength (HGS) with HGS asymmetry is associated with adverse outcomes among older adults with gastric cancer

Introduction This study aimed to explore the associations of low hand grip strength (HGS), HGS asymmetry, their combinations, and frailty on hospital readmissions, total complications, and prolonged length of stay (PLOS) among older adults with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods This study included 342 patients with gastric cancer aged ≥60 years who were scheduled to undergo radical surgery. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) was used to collect information on frailty. HGS was measured twice for each hand using an electronic handgrip dynamometer. The highest HGS readings on each hand were used for calculating the HGS asymmetry ratio: non-dominant HGS (kg)/dominant HGS (kg). The Fine and Gray proportional subdistribution hazard model and the logistic regression model were used for the analyses, with covariates adjusted. Results Low HGS (subdistribution hazard ratios [SHR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05–3.93, P = 0.036) and low HGS with HGS asymmetry (SHR = 3.95, 95% CI = 1.50–10.36, P = 0.005) were significantly associated with hospital readmissions. Frailty was associated with total complications (odds ratio [OR] = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.61–5.13, P < 0.001) and PLOS (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.19–3.29, P < 0.001). Low HGS, HGS asymmetry, and their combinations were not significantly associated with total complications and PLOS. Discussion Preoperative low HGS and low HGS with HGS asymmetry were associated with hospital readmissions, while frailty was associated with total complications and PLOS among older adults with gastric cancer. In the future, more rigorously designed studies are needed to verify our results further to improve preoperative clinical assessment and frailty evaluation among older adults with gastric cancer.