Basal functional status predicts functional recovery in critically ill patients with multiple-organ failure

We aimed to investigate the effect of baseline demographic, clinical, and functional characteristics of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with multiple-organ failure (MOF) on their functional recovery at 6 and 12 months posthospitalization.

A total of 545 consecutively admitted adult patients with MOF during on admission were included in the study. Patients' functional status was prospectively assessed and compared with the baseline status and at 6 and 12 months postdischarge, using the Modified Rankin Scale and the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended. Severity of disease on admission was assessed using the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II.

A total of 266 patients were followed up. Functional status among MOF survivors improved between the 6th and 12th month postdischarge from the ICU. Higher functional status before admission, lower severity scores on admission, and younger age positively affected the improvement in functional status after ICU discharge.

The level of functional status befre ICU admission should be considered not only in research studies looking a long-term outcomes from ICU but also in the clinical care planning of critically ill patients during and after their ICU admission.