The association between low calf circumference and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Key summary points Aim The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the association between low calf circumference and mortality. Findings Low calf circumference (CC) was associated with a higher risk of mortality than normal calf circumference, with a pooled HR of 2.42 (95% CI 1.97–2.97, I 2 = 74.3.0%). In addition, this association between low calf circumference and morality was still statistically significant in the subgroup analysis across different settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and communities. Message Calf circumference, which is simple and convenient to measure, could be used to stratify the high-risk groups, as low calf circumference was significantly associated with mortality among patients.