Repetitive vascular occlusion stimulus (RVOS) versus standard care to prevent muscle wasting in critically ill...

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Management
• Muscle Physiology

Background:

• Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) affects 40% of critically ill patients, contributing to skeletal muscle wasting and long-term disability.
• Current mitigation strategies for ICU-AW are ineffective.
• Repetitive vascular occlusion stimulus (RVOS) has shown potential in limiting muscle atrophy in other patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety, tolerability, feasibility, and acceptability of RVOS in critically ill ICU patients.
• To determine if RVOS can mitigate muscle wasting in the ICU.
• To evaluate the effects of RVOS on vascular function in critically ill patients.

Main Methods:

• A randomized interventional feasibility trial involving 32 ventilated adult ICU patients with multiorgan failure.
• Participants received RVOS twice daily for up to 10 days or until ICU discharge.
• Muscle mass, quality, vascular function, physical function, and biomarkers were assessed using ultrasound, functional tests, and blood/urine analysis.

Main Results:

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Conclusions:

• This pilot study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of RVOS application in ICU patients.
• Data from this study will inform the design of a larger, prospective trial.
• The findings will clarify whether RVOS can preserve muscle mass and improve vascular function in critically ill patients.