This study evaluated the impact of cardiac surgery on quadriceps muscle mass using ultrasound, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative changes in muscle tissue during the postoperative period. The study enrolled 31 adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery and followed them for up to 7 days post-surgery. Researchers conducted ultrasound assessments on the quadriceps muscle at various time points during the postoperative period, measuring the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris, muscle thickness, pennation angles, and other related parameters.
Findings
The findings revealed a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris by 16%, along with a 24% reduction in the pennation angle of the rectus femoris. Despite these changes, the study found no significant alterations in other measurements, including muscle thickness, fascicle length, or the sarcopenia index. Notably, the researchers observed no link between changes in quadriceps muscle mass and negative outcomes, such as ICU length of stay or 28-day mortality.
Study Highlights
This study highlights the substantial loss of quadriceps muscle mass in the early postoperative period of surgery. This suggests the catabolic effects of surgery and the subsequent ICU stay on skeletal muscle. The reduction in muscle mass was observed despite standard postoperative care. It underscores the need for strategies to mitigate muscle wasting during recovery. Early interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass could potentially improve recovery outcomes for patients. This finding also raises awareness of the critical role of muscle health in overall recovery after cardiac surgery. Ultrasound was identified as a valuable tool for monitoring these changes, offering an easy, non-invasive method for tracking muscle mass. While muscle loss is significant, it did not directly correlate with adverse clinical outcomes in this cohort. This suggests that other factors may play a more prominent role in patient recovery and prognosis.
