Abstract
Introduction: After surviving critical illness, many critically ill survivors have reported experiencing long-term physical function impairments and morbidity that they endure up to five years.
The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between muscle function and physical function in critically ill survivors at intensive care unit (ICU) discharge and hospital discharge in a South African population setting.
In a prospective observational cohort study, mechanically ventilated participants were recruited within 24 hours of admission to the Medical and Surgical ICUs. Assessments of muscle function included the Medical Research Council-Sum Score (MRC-SS), dynamometry (hand-grip strength and isometric knee extension force), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and respiratory muscle endurance. The physical function assessments included the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment (CPAx) tool, the de Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) and the Six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT).
Results: Forty-five participants were recruited for the study (Male = 33; Female = 12). The median (IQR) age of the participants was 34.5 (24.3 – 47.4) years. At ICU discharge, the correlations found between the MRC-SS and CPAx and between MIP and CPAx, were very weak non-significant correlations (rho = 0.29, P = 0.17; rho = 0.27, P = 0.29). A strong positive correlation was established between MIP and the 6-MWT (rho = 0.75, p < 0.01) at hospital discharge.
Conclusion: Muscle function may partially explain physical function outcomes in critically ill survivors, however other variables may need to be considered.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA2415.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021