Point-of-Care Ultrasound as a Prognostic Tool in Critically Ill Patients: Insights Beyond Core Muscle Mass.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Muscle wasting is a major concern in ICUs, contributing to morbidity, mortality, and prolonged rehabilitation. While CT-derived L3 Skeletal Muscle Index (L3SMI) assesses core muscle mass, it may not capture peripheral muscle atrophy or fluid-based changes. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) offers a rapid, non-invasive alternative. This study evaluated the prognostic value of POCUS-based muscle measurements compared with L3SMI in predicting mortality, frailty, and functional outcomes.

Methods

In this prospective study, 50 critically ill adults meeting Sepsis-3 criteria or requiring respiratory/vasopressor support underwent POCUS assessments of biceps brachii, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius thickness at days 1, 7, and 14 post-ICU admission. Twenty-eight patie

SUBMITTER: Skoczynski R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11957184 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature