| Abstract [eng] |
Critically ill patients frequently develop significant alterations in muscle mass and function during their stay in the intensive care unit, associated with systemic inflammation, hypercatabolism, immobilization, and organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in muscle mass and function in critically ill patients, compare the suitability of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and muscle ultrasound (US) for the assessment of muscle wasting, and determine the significance of handgrip strength. The results demonstrated that BIA enables monitoring of body composition and phase angle changes; however, its parameters are significantly influenced by fluid balance and inflammatory response. Muscle ultrasound reliably identified structural muscle loss and was less sensitive to fluid shifts. Reduced muscle strength was observed in survivors on the day of ICU discharge, and the decline in muscle strength was not always proportional to muscle mass loss. These findings indicate that assessment of muscle status in critically ill patients should be based on a comprehensive approach combining both structural and functional evaluation methods. |
