Less is more: beta-2 microglobulin as a frailty marker in community-dwelling older adults

Background: Serum beta-2 microglobulin levels are commonly employed as prognostic and inflammatory indices, given their ease in assessment, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we aimed to confirm the effectiveness of serum beta-2 microglobulin as a marker in geriatric patients and establish its role in frailty assessment. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 81 participants aged>65 years. Serum beta-2 microglobulin levels were compared with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor Tumor Necrosis symbolscript and vitamin D levels. To determine whether beta-2 microglobulin is an effective marker for frailty assessment, the study was divided into frail and non-frail patients, except for the acute infection group. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale Version 9, and quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life Scale Short Form-36.Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.14 +/- 7.00 years. The frail group comprised 47.5% of the total patients. beta-2 microglobulin exhibited a strong positive correlation with C-reactive protein, Clinical Frailty Scale score, and comorbidity index, and a moderate positive correlation with Tumor Necrosis symbolscript and interleukin-6 levels. Conversely, beta-2 microglobulin and Short Form-36 exhibited a strong negative correlation. The Short Form -36 was the most effective in assessing changes in beta-2 microglobulin levels. The optimal beta-2 microglobulin cut-off value to assess frailty was 3.78 (sensitivity=75%; specificity=93.5%).Conclusion: In the geriatric population, we detected a significant association between increased beta-2 microglobulin levels and frailty, as well as a significant relationship with decreased quality of life.