Decline in diaphragm thickness and clinical outcomes among patients with sepsis

The decline in the diaphragm thickness is common among patients with sepsis. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the decline in diaphragm thickness as assessed by ultrasonography and various outcomes in septic patients.

This prospective study included patients with sepsis whose diaphragm thickness was measured during inspiration (DTinsp) and expiration (DTexp) using ultrasonography on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 of admission in the ICU and thereafter weekly measurements until discharge or death.

The study included 70 (45 male) patients with sepsis [mean (SD) age = 55.91(14.08) years]. The mean (SD) DTinsp and DTexp (mm) on day-1 were 2.84 (0.32) and 2.33(0.27), respectively. During the hospital stay, there was a decline in DTinsp and DTexp. The decline in DTinsp and DTexp on days 3, 5, and 7 was significantly higher among patients with difficult weaning, non-survivors, and worse 90-day outcomes. Early decline (from day-1 to day-3) in diaphragm thickness predicted difficult weaning, in-hospital mortality, and worse 90-day outcome.

Among patients with sepsis, the decline in diaphragm thickness detected by ultrasonography is associated with worse in-hospital and short-term post-discharge outcomes. The role of early decline in diaphragm thickness on ultrasonography as a marker of worse outcomes needs further evaluation.