This prospective, observational study aimed to assess whether ultrasound measurements of muscle atrophy could predict muscle weakness, morbidity, and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients. Muscular atrophy is associated with structural and functional changes in muscles, leading to weakness, and is often a marker of illness severity. It can have a significant impact on both short- and long-term clinical outcomes. The study involved 31 ICU patients, with ultrasound used to measure the cross-sectional area and muscle thickness of the rectus femoris on the first and third days of their ICU stay. The primary goal was to track the incidence of muscle atrophy, defined as a loss of muscle mass greater than or equal to 10%.
The results showed that 58% (18/31) of patients experienced significant muscle atrophy, with a daily muscle mass loss rate of 1.78% (5% per day). This loss of muscle mass was associated with an increased risk of developing limb muscle weakness and handgrip weakness. However, there were no significant differences in 28-day mortality rates between patients with and without muscle atrophy. The findings suggest that early ultrasound measurements of muscle mass in critically ill patients could serve as an early indicator of the risk of ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW) and handgrip weakness, both of which can impact recovery and long-term health.
Though the study did not find a significant link to 28-day mortality, the data suggest that monitoring muscle mass through ultrasound could help identify at-risk patients earlier. The study’s results could guide future research into the clinical benefits of early muscle atrophy detection in ICU patients and how it can inform interventions to improve outcomes.
