Clinical residual symptomatology and associated factors in multiple organ failure survivors: A long-term mortgage

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Post-Intensive Care Syndrome Research
• Clinical Symptomatology Studies

Background:

• Multi-organ failure (MOF) is a critical condition requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
• Understanding residual symptoms post-ICU is crucial for patient recovery and long-term health outcomes.
• Limited data exists on the specific long-term clinical manifestations following MOF.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify residual clinical symptoms in patients after discharge from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following multi-organ failure (MOF).
• To determine factors associated with the development and persistence of these post-discharge symptoms.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 545 adult patients with MOF on admission to a medical & surgical ICU in Spain was studied.
• Telephone surveys were conducted at 6 and 12 months post-ICU discharge to assess clinical symptoms.
• Data analysis focused on symptom prevalence and associated factors.

Main Results:

• Of 266 patients followed up, common symptoms included asthenia (76%), sleep disturbances (50%), and depression (48%).
• Arthromyalgia and asthenia were the most frequent persistent symptoms observed up to one year post-ICU discharge.
• Depression was also prevalent within the first six months after hospital discharge.

Conclusions:

• Significant residual clinical symptoms persist for nearly a year in MOF survivors, with asthenia being particularly common.
• The persistence of symptoms is associated with poorer functional status at 6 and 12 months, longer hospital stays, and higher initial illness severity.
• Early identification and management of these long-term symptoms are essential for improving recovery trajectories in MOF patients.