Ultrasound assessment of muscle mass and correlation with clinical outcomes in critically ill patients: a prospective observational study

Purpose: Muscular atrophy implies structural and functional alterations related to muscular force production and movement. This condition has been reported to be the main reason for generalized muscle weakness; it reflects the severity of the disease and can have a profound impact on short- and long-term clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether muscle atrophy ultrasound parameters early predict muscle weakness, morbidity, or 28-days mortality.

Methods: This was a prospective, observational single center cohort study. Ultrasound was used to determine the cross-sectional area and muscle thickness of the rectus femoris on the first and third day of ICU stay. The main outcome was the incidence of significant muscle atrophy (≥ 10%).

Results: Ultrasound measurements were made in 31 patients, 58% (18/31) of which showed significant muscle atrophy. The relative loss of muscle mass per day was 1.78 at 5% per day. The presence of muscle atrophy presents increased risk for limb muscle weakness and handgrip weakness. The 28-days mortality rate was similar in both subgroups.

Conclusion: The presence of muscle atrophy presents an increased clinical risk for the development of limb ICUAW and handgrip, although these observations were not statistically significant. The results could be used to plan future studies on this topic.