Muscle and Subcutaneous Tissue Variation by Ultrasound and Impedance Linked to Fluid Balance in ICU Patients

Recruiting now

Conditions studied: Weakness Acquired in the ICU, Muscle Wasting, Edema, Fluid Overload, Critical Illness, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients

In brief

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the relationship between variations in muscle thickness and subcutaneous tissue, measured by ultrasound, and fluid compartments, evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Critically ill patients frequently experience muscle wasting and tissue edema due to a combination of inflammation, immobilization, and aggressive fluid resuscitation protocols designed to counteract hemodynamic instability. Ultrasound is widely used to monitor muscle thickness because it is fast, non-invasive, and repeatable. However, muscle thickness measurements during the first days of ICU admission may be influenced by fluid overload, which causes edema and might lead to an overestimation of actual muscle mass. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a complementary tool that assesses both intra- and extracellular fluid compartments. This study aims to correlate daily fluid balance with changes in muscle thickness and subcutaneous tissue measured by ultrasound, and to determine if BIA can accurately reflect fluid status and potentially identify edema in these patients. Furthermore, at ICU discharge, patients' muscle strength will be assessed using both the MRC-sum score (0-60) and handgrip strength (using a Jamar dynamometer), to investigate whether the presence of edema at discharge correlates with muscle strength deficits. Data collection will occur daily, tracking fluid balance, clinical parameters, and body weight, alongside ultrasound and BIA measurements in a standardized position. The study will help clarify the interactions between fluid management, muscle mass changes, and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, providing valuable insight into early rehabilitation strategies.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06697470

Run by

Dr F Duprez

People needed

40

Starts

2024-10-21

Expected to finish

2024-11-15

Last updated by the study team

2024-11-20

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Adults aged over 18 years.
• Patients present and admitted to the ICU at Epicura Hornu Hospital between October 14, 2024, and November 15, 2024 (to be updated).
• Informed consent to participate in the study has been signed by the patient or their legal representative.

You may not qualify if…

• Patients in post-operative or other surveillance with an expected ICU stay of less than 48 hours.
• Patients for whom a decision to withdraw therapy has been made prior to inclusion.
• Presence of skin conditions (e.g., wounds or ulcers) that hinder ultrasound measurements or the application of skin electrodes.
• Pregnancy.
• Presence of an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator.

Where it is running

• Epicura site Hornu — Boussu, Hainaut, Belgium (enrolling)
• Epicura site Hornu — Boussu, Belgium (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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