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Early anthropometry, strength, and function in survivors of critical illness
Nikki Yk Yeo1, Benjamin Aj Reddi1, Christopher G Schultz2
1Intensive Care Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Port Road, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
Background:
Critically ill patients experience acute muscle wasting and long-term functional impairments, yet this has been inadequately categorised early in recovery.
Objective:
This observational study aimed to evaluate anthropometry, strength, and muscle function after intensive care unit discharge.
Methods:
Adult patients able to complete study measures after prolonged intensive care unit stay (≥5 d) were eligible. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and bodyweight, height, triceps skinfold, trunk length, handgrip strength, 6-minute walk test, whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and mid-thigh, knee, and above-ankle circumferences were measured. Body cell mass was calculated from these data. Data are presented as mean (standard deviation) or median [interquartile range].
Results:
Fourteen patients (50% male; 57 [10.5] years) were assessed 11.1 (6.9) d after intensive care unit discharge. Patients lost 4.76 (6.66) kg in the intensive care unit. Triceps skinfold thickness (17.00 [8.65] mm) and handgrip strength (12.60 [8.57] kg) were lower than normative data. No patient could commence the 6-minute walk test. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived muscle mass correlated with handgrip strength (R = 0.57; 95% confidence interval = 0.06-0.85; p = 0.03), but body cell mass did not.
Conclusions:
Anthropometry and strength in intensive care unit survivors are below normal. Muscle mass derived from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry correlates with handgrip strength but body cell mass does not.
