Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness in Patients With Acute Kidney Injury: A Contemporary Review

Inter-rater reliability of muscle ultrasonography performed by multidisciplinary novice sonographers in the evaluation of critically ill patients with acute kidney injury requiring continuous kidney replacement therapy

Early diagnosis of muscle wasting in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury requiring continuous kidney replacement therapy (AKI-CKRT) may improve outcomes via timely rehabilitation and nutrition. Muscle ultrasound (MUS) has recently gained traction for assessing muscle atrophy in the intensive care unit (ICU) but requires training to achieve reproducibility. We evaluated the inter-rater reliability of MUS in patients with AKI-CKRT performed by multidisciplinary raters including nephrologists. Two blinded independent raters used portable ultrasound to acquire images of the rectus femoris (RF). All raters were clinicians routinely caring for patients with CKRT in the ICU and were initially novices in MUS. They underwent three two-hour teleconference training sessions in MUS led by an experienced physiotherapist. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) [95% confidence interval] using a two-way random-effects model. We analyzed 54 MUS images (27 pairs) from nine patients at baseline (n = 16), day 3 (n = 6), day 7 (n = 8), ICU discharge (n = 10), hospital discharge (n = 10), and 1-3 months after discharge (n = 4). The mean (±standard deviation) values of RF thickness, cross-sectional area, and echointensity were 1.7 ± 1.4 cm, 4.6 ± 2.7 cm2, and 84.0 ± 17.7 AU, respectively. Reliability was excellent for RF thickness (ICC = 0.96 [0.91-0.98], p < 0.001) and cross-sectional area (ICC = 0.92 [0.83-0.96], p < 0.001) but poor for echointensity (ICC = 0.41 [0.04-0.68], p < 0.05). These results demonstrate reliable assessment of muscle size in patients with AKI-CKRT using ultrasound performed by multidisciplinary novice sonographers trained via teleconference, suggesting that this methodology may be useful in future studies of muscle wasting in patients with AKI-CKRT.

Risk factors for acquired weakness in intensive care unit patients: An umbrella review

OBJECTIVE

This umbrella review aims to summarize and synthesize the evidence on risk factors related to intensive care unit-acquired weakness in systematic reviews to create prevention strategies and intervention measures for intensive care unit-acquired weakness.

METHODOLOGY

Eight databases were searched systematically from inception to 1st November 2023. Two researchers independently screened and extracted data based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The methodological quality, risk of bias and certainty of evidence of reviews included were evaluated using version 2 of the Measurement Tool for Evaluation System Review (AMSTAR-2) and the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS), and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation(GRADE) respectively.

RESULTS

This review included 10 systematic reviews, reporting a total of 42 factors and 22 associations with meta-analysis. Overall, among these associations, the methodological and evidence quality of the majority ofstudies was rated as low or extremely low. Most systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses exhibited a high risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

This umbrella review comprehensively summarized the risk factors related to intensive care unit-acquired weakness and evaluated the methodological quality, risk of bias, and evidence quality of reviews included. Future studies with high-quality research such as cohort studies are needed, to better update and synthesize the risk factors of intensive care unit-acquired weakness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Inconsistent or even contradictory findings exist among multiple systematic reviews regarding intensive care unit-acquired weakness. The present study offers a comprehensive and readily comprehensible overview of the risk factors linked to intensive care unit-acquired weakness, which is conducive to develop assessment tools for the condition and identify intervention targets.

ICU-acquired weakness: Critical illness myopathy and polyneuropathy

Critical illness myopathy (CIM) and critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) are significant complications in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, first identified in the late 20th century. These conditions often present as flaccid paralysis and respiratory muscle weakness, making it challenging for patients to wean off ventilatory support. The incidence of ICU-acquired weakness, which includes CIM and CIP, ranges from 25 % to 84 % among long-term ventilated patients, with higher rates observed in those with sepsis or systemic inflammatory response syndrome. CIM is characterized by muscle wasting and can be confirmed using electromyography and muscle biopsy. The pathogenesis of CIM involves the loss of thick myosin filaments, while the proposed etiology of CIP centers around increased permeability of nerve axons, leading to axonal degeneration. Risk factors for developing these conditions include prolonged ICU length of stay, sepsis, multi-system organ dysfunction, hyperglycemia, as well as exposure to steroids and neuromuscular blocking agents. Emerging diagnostic tools including muscle ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) show promise in early detection and differentiation of CIM and CIP. Preventative and therapeutic treatment focuses on early mobilization, minimizing sedation, optimizing nutritional support, and use of intensive insulin therapy to prevent prolonged hyperglycemia. Despite these advancements, CIM and CIP continue to pose significant challenges, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to improve patient outcomes and develop effective treatments.

Establishing discordance rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate between serum creatinine-based calculations and cystatin-C-based calculations in critically ill patients

INTRODUCTION

The use of serum creatinine (SCr) for drug dosing has significant limitations and is influenced by many non-kidney factors. Cystatin C (cysC) is an alternative or additional marker of kidney function that is less affected by non-kidney factors. Although cysC may be useful in hospitalized patients, the use of cysC to calculate drug dosing in critically ill patients has been incompletely investigated.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the rate of discordance in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between SCr-based calculations and SCr/cysC-based calculations that affect drug dosing in critically ill patients.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study at an academic medical center including critically ill adult patients admitted in 2023 with SCr and cysC ordered. Data were collected via chart review. Demographic data were analyzed via descriptive statistics. Discordance, defined as the percentage of times at which there is at least one discrepancy in kidney dosing for a medication using Cockcroft-Gault (CG) creatinine clearance versus Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) eGFR creatinine-cystatin C (eGFRcr-cys) equations, was analyzed via Wilcoxon matched pair signed ranked sum. eGFR calculations were normalized for patients' body surface area for comparison.

RESULTS

The study population included 232 patients (53.02% female; mean age 58.7 +/- 14.9 years; with 62.5% in medical, 23.28% in surgical, and 8.62% in neurological intensive care) with a median SCr of 0.94 mg/dL IQR [0.57-1.58] and median cysC of 1.92 mg/L IQR [1.27-2.77]. The median clearance rates were 68.5 mL/min (45.3-111.5) for CG and 53.9 mL/min (30.9-80.7) for CKD-EPI eGFRcr-cys; p < 0.001. The discordance rate across all study drugs was 32.3% (75/232). The four most common study drugs demonstrating discordance were cefepime 40.6% (52/128), vancomycin 38.3% (46/120), levetiracetam 35.1% (13/37), and piperacillin/tazobactam 11.6% (5/43).

CONCLUSION

Clinically significant discordance exists between SCr and SCr/cysC-based estimates of kidney function. This study established a discordance rate, as defined by drug dosing, of 32.3% in adult patients admitted to the ICU.

Evaluation of Amino Acid Kinetics During Low-Dose Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy in Patients With Acute Kidney Injury: A Prospective Single-Center Study

OBJECTIVE

Amino acid and protein loss during continuous renal replacement therapy has been proposed to contribute to protein-energy wasting in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI); however, the actual amount removed remains unclear. We investigated the loss of amino acids and proteins in the filtrate during continuous renal replacement therapy in patients who did not receive nutritional supplementation.

METHODS

A total of 19 patients with AKI who received low-dose continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) were included. Blood samples were collected before CVVH initiation and at 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes thereafter, and a filtrate sample was collected at 240 minutes. Changes in blood amino acid concentrations during 240-minute CVVH sessions were measured. The amino acid and protein concentrations in the filtrate were determined at the end of the 240-minute CVVH session, and the amounts of amino acids and proteins lost during 240-minute CVVH were calculated.

RESULTS

The median total amino acid blood concentrations did not decrease and were near the lower limits of the reference ranges. The median concentrations of 3-methyl histidine, a marker of skeletal muscle catabolism, were above the upper limits of the reference ranges throughout the CVVH session. The median total amino acidloss during the 240-minute CVVH session was 0.95 g. In 10 patients with detectable proteins in the filtrate, the median protein loss was 2.52 g.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that optimal nutritional management in patients with AKI who receive CVVH should take into account amino acid and protein loss and hypercatabolism.

Early urea-to-creatinine ratio to predict rapid muscle loss in critically ill patients with sepsis: a single-center retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) often experience rapid muscle loss. The urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) is thought to reflect muscle breakdown (creatinine) and catabolism (urea) and is commonly used to assess nutritional and metabolic status. This study aimed to investigate whether changes in UCR (ΔUCR) can predict the development of rapid muscle loss in patients with sepsis.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was conducted in a university ICU between 2014 and 2021, involving adult patients (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with sepsis. The primary outcome was the incidence of rapid muscle loss during ICU hospitalization. Changes in the cross-sectional muscle area at the third lumbar vertebra (L3SMA) were measured using CT images to evaluate muscle loss. Rapid muscle loss was defined as a change in ΔL3SMA greater than 2% per day. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between UCR or ΔUCR and rapid muscle loss. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the predictive performance of UCR or ΔUCR for rapid muscle loss.

RESULTS

Of the 482 patients, 141 (29.2%) experienced rapid muscle loss during their ICU stay. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that ΔUCR was significantly associated with an increased risk of rapid muscle loss, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.02 [95% CI: 1.01, 1.02]. The AUC for ΔUCR in predicting rapid muscle loss was 0.76 [95% CI: 0.68-0.83], with a threshold value of 19.4 µmol urea/µmol creatinine for ΔUCR.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that ΔUCR is independently associated with rapid muscle loss in patients with sepsis and the AUC of the ROC curve for the ability of ΔUCR to predict rapid muscle loss was 0.76. Though additional prospective data are needed, our results suggest that ΔUCR may be useful in the early identification of critically ill patients with sepsis at risk of rapid muscle loss.

The role of a "volume sparing" strategy in kidney replacement therapy of AKI: a retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND

The KDIGO recommendation in acute kidney injury (AKI) patients requiring kidney replacement therapy is to deliver a Urea Kt/V of 1.3 for intermittent thrice weekly hemodialysis, and an effluent volume of 20-25 ml/kg/hour when using continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Considering that prior studies have suggested equivalent outcomes when using CRRT-prolonged intermittent renal replacement therapy (PIRRT) effluent doses below 20 mL/kg/h, our group investigated the possible benefits of low effluent volume CRRT-PIRRT (12.5 ml/Kg/hour).

METHODS

Thirty-six AKI patients that had been treated in the previous 12 months by CRRT-PIRRT with low effluent volume were included in the present retrospective observational study. The total effluent volume, derived from the formula [25 (or 12.5 ml) × kg body weight × 24], was administered over 24 h in CRRT and over 10 h in daily PIRRT. The control group consisted of the last 36 AKI patients previously treated with standard effluent volume CRRT (25 ml/kg/hour). Mortality within 90 days, shift from low effluent volume to standard effluent volume due to dialysis inadequacy, and remission of AKI were the end points. The two groups were homogeneous for age, sex, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score. Patients with AKI caused by metformin-induced lactic acidosis were excluded because they were treated with standard effluent volume CRRT until the lactic acidosis was corrected by subsequently reducing the effluent volume to 12.5 ml/kg/hour.

RESULTS

The two groups were homogeneous as for baseline features. The UKt/V in the low effluent volume group was 0.51 ± 0.04 in CRRT and 0.50 ± 0.07 in PIRRT per session (Table 3). The UKt/V in the standard effluent volume group was 1.00 ± 0.02 in CRRT and 0.95 ± 0.05 in PIRRT per session. No differences were observed between the 2 groups regarding death from any cause at 90 days, and recovery of renal function. No patient was switched from low effluent volume to standard effluent volume due to inadequate control of uremic toxins. Serum creatinine at discharge from the hospital in patients with no KRT dependence was 2.1 ± 0.6 mg/dl in standard effluent volume and 1.9 ± 0.5 in low effluent volume (p = 0.37). All low effluent volume patients showed adequate metabolic, electrolyte, and acid-base profile control. In the low effluent volume group, the incidence of hypophosphatemia was lower than in the standard effluent volume group (5 vs 15, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-center retrospective study, low effluent volume CRRT-PIRRT was associated with similar outcomes to standard effluent volume CRRT-PIRRT, which is consistent with the results of prior observational studies. Randomized controlled studies comparing low effluent volume with standard effluent volume are needed.

Association of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index with short-term mortality in patients with severe acute kidney injury: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a new and simple index recently introduced to assess nutritional status, and its predictive value for clinical outcomes has been demonstrated in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, the association between the GNRI and prognosis has not been evaluated so far in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), especially in those receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

METHODS

A total of 1096 patients with severe AKI initiating CRRT were identified for inclusion in this retrospective observational study. Patients were divided into three groups according to GNRI tertiles, with tertile 1 as the reference. The outcomes of interest were the 28- and 90-days of all-cause mortality. The associations between GNRI and clinical outcomes were estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis.

RESULTS

The overall mortality rates at 28- and 90-days were 61.6% (675/1096) and 71.5% (784/1096), respectively. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, GNRI was identified as an independent prognostic factor for 28-days all-cause mortality (HR, 0.582; 95% CI, 0.467-0.727; p < .001 for tertile 3 vs. tertile 1) as well as 90-days all-cause mortality (HR, 0.540; 95% CI, 0.440-0.661; p < .001 for tertile 3 vs. tertile 1). The observed inverse associations were robust across subgroup analysis, and were more pronounced in elderly patients over 65 years of age. Finally, incorporating GNRI in a model with established risk factors might significantly improve its predictive power for the short-term death.

CONCLUSIONS

GNRI is considered to be a useful prognostic factor in patients with severe AKI initiating CRRT, especially in elderly patients.

Geriatric nutritional risk index is associated with the occurrence of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients with acute heart failure

Background: During the acute heart failure (AHF), acute kidney injury (AKI) is highly prevalent in critically ill patients. The occurrence of the latter condition increases the risk of mortality in patients with acute heart failure. The current research on the relationship between nutritional risk and the occurrence of acute kidney injury in patients with acute heart failure is very limited. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV, version 2.1) database. We included adult patients with AHF who were admitted to the intensive care unit in the study. Results: A total of 1310 critically ill patients with acute heart failure were included. The AUC of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) (0.694) is slightly superior to that of controlling nutritional status (CONUT) (0.656) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) (0.669). The Log-rank test revealed a higher risk of acute kidney injury in patients with high nutritional risk (p < 0.001). Multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that a high GNRI (adjusted HR 0.62, p < 0.001) was associated with a reduced risk of AKI during hospitalization in AHF patients. The final subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant interaction of GNRI in all subgroups except for diabetes subgroup and ventilation subgroup (P for interaction: 0.057-0.785). Conclusion: Our study findings suggest a correlation between GNRI and the occurrence of acute kidney injury in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure.

Which factors are associated with acquired weakness in the ICU? An overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

RATIONALE

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is common in critically ill patients, characterized by muscle weakness and physical function loss. Determining risk factors for ICUAW poses challenges due to variations in assessment methods and limited generalizability of results from specific populations, the existing literature on these risk factors lacks a clear and comprehensive synthesis.

OBJECTIVE

This overview aimed to synthesize risk factors for ICUAW, categorizing its modifiable and nonmodifiable factors.

METHODS

An overview of systematic reviews was conducted. Six relevant databases were searched for systematic reviews. Two pairs of reviewers selected reviews following predefined criteria, where bias was evaluated. Results were qualitatively summarized and an overlap analysis was performed for meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Eighteen systematic reviews were included, comprising 24 risk factors for ICUAW. Meta-analyses were performed for 15 factors, while remaining reviews provided qualitative syntheses. Twelve reviews had low risk of bias, 4 reviews were unclear, and 2 reviews exhibited high risk of bias. The extent of overlap ranged from 0 to 23% for the corrected covered area index. Nonmodifiable factors, including advanced age, female gender, and multiple organ failure, were consistently associated with ICUAW. Modifiable factors, including neuromuscular blocking agents, hyperglycemia, and corticosteroids, yielded conflicting results. Aminoglycosides, renal replacement therapy, and norepinephrine were associated with ICUAW but with high heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple risk factors associated with ICUAW were identified, warranting consideration in prevention and treatment strategies. Some risk factors have produced conflicting results, and several remain underexplored, emphasizing the ongoing need for personalized studies encompassing all potential contributors to ICUAW development.

Epidemiology of acute kidney injury in the clinical emergency: A prospective cohort study at a high-complexity public university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Southern Hemisphere countries have been underrepresented in epidemiological studies on acute kidney injury (AKI). The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency, risk factors, and outcomes of AKI in adult hospitalized patients from the emergency department of a public high-complexity teaching hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

METHODS

Observational and prospective study. AKI was defined by the KDIGO guidelines (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) using only serum creatinine.

RESULTS

Among the 731 patients studied (age: median 61 years, IQR 47-72 years; 55% male), 48% had hypertension and 28% had diabetes as comorbidities. The frequency of AKI was 52.1% (25.9% community-based AKI [C-AKI] and 26.3% hospital-acquired AKI [H-AKI]). Dehydration, hypotension, and edema were found in 29%, 15%, and 15% of participants, respectively, at hospital admission. The in-hospital and 12-month mortality rates of patients with vs. without AKI were 25.2% vs. 11.1% (p<0.001) and 36.7% vs. 12.9% (p<0.001), respectively. The independent risk factors for C-AKI were chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic liver disease, age, and hospitalization for cardiovascular disease. Those for H-AKI were CKD, heart failure as comorbidities, hypotension, and edema at hospital admission. H-AKI was an independent risk factor for death in the hospital, but not at 12 months. C-AKI was not a risk factor for death.

CONCLUSIONS

AKI occurred in more than half of the admissions to the clinical emergency department of the hospital and was equally distributed between C-AKI and H-AKI. Many patients had correctable risk factors for AKI, such as dehydration and arterial hypotension (44%) at admission. The only independent risk factor for both C-AKI and H-AKI was CKD as comorbidity.

Risk Factors and Electromyographic Characteristics of Acquired Weakness in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Study

Objective

This retrospective study examines risk factors and electromyographic (EMG) characteristics associated with acquired weakness in critically ill patients and assesses their impact on patient prognosis.

Methods

Ninety-seven critically ill patients, ventilated for over 48 hours, were included. Patient data, encompassing general condition, medical history, Medical Research Council (MRC) scores, serum markers (c-reactive protein, calcitonin gene, albumin, brain natriuretic peptide, urea nitrogen, creatinine), EMG characteristics, respiratory treatment modalities, and parameters, were recorded. Mechanical ventilation duration, ICU stay duration, hospitalization duration, and patient prognosis were documented. Based on MRC scores, patients were categorized into the ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) group (MRC <48 points) and the non-ICU-AW group (MRC ≥48 points).

Results

The study comprised 47 ICU-AW and 50 non-ICU-AW patients. Significant differences (p <0.05) were observed in age, MRC scores, albumin levels, c-reactive protein, calcitonin gene, brain natriuretic peptide, urea nitrogen, creatinine, mechanical ventilation duration, ICU stay duration, and hospitalization duration between groups. In the ICU-AW group, nerve conduction examinations revealed slow conduction velocity, reduced wave amplitude, and in severe cases, a complete loss of motor and sensory potentials. Multivariate logistic analysis identified low serum albumin levels and MRC scores as potential ICU-AW risk factors.

Conclusion

This study suggests that low serum albumin levels and MRC scores may contribute to ICU-AW risk. The ICU-AW group exhibited varied peripheral nerve damage and slow conduction velocities on EMG. Additionally, severe systemic inflammatory responses, renal function, brain natriuretic peptide levels, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and peripheral nerve damage may be associated with ICU-AW. Follow-up studies are essential for further understanding these complex interactions.

The knowledge, attitude and behavior of ICU nurses regarding ICU-acquired weakness: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is very common in ICU patients. It is important to understand the status quo of knowledge, attitude and behavior of ICU nurses about ICU-AW. This survey aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and behavior of ICU nurses about ICU-AW, to provide useful implications for clinical care.

METHODS

ICU nurses from two tertiary hospitals in China from October 10 to November 15, 2023 were included. The ICU-AW knowledge, attitude and behavior questionnaire of ICU nurses with 31 items were used for survey. SPSS24.0 statistical software was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 364 ICU nurses were included for survey. The ICU-AW knowledge of ICU nurses was 21.96 ± 5.72 (< 50% of the total knowledge score), the ICU-AW attitude of ICU nurses was 30.24 ± 5.05(< 75% of the total attitude score), the ICU-AW behavior of ICU nurses was 26.77 ± 5.81(< 75% of the total behavior score), the total score was 79.21 ± 12.69(< 75% of the total score). Nurses' ICU-AW knowledge, attitude and behavior were all correlated (all P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that age, years of ICU work experience, professional ranks and titles, had received the training about the ICU-AW were the influencing factors of knowledge, attitude and behavior of ICU nurses about ICU-AW (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge, attitude and behavior of ICU nurses' ICU-AW needs to be improved, and there are many influencing factors. Hospital nursing administrators should strengthen the training of nurses' ICU-AW knowledge and improve the cognitive and practical ability of ICU nurses on ICU-AW, so as to reduce the occurrence of ICU-AW.

Critical illness-associated limb and diaphragmatic weakness

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In the current review, we aim to highlight the evolving evidence on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of critical illness weakness (CIW) and critical illness associated diaphragmatic weakness (CIDW).

RECENT FINDINGS

In the ICU, several risk factors can lead to CIW and CIDW. Recent evidence suggests that they have different pathophysiological mechanisms and impact on outcomes, although they share common risk factors and may overlap in several patients. Their diagnosis is challenging, because CIW diagnosis is primarily clinical and, therefore, difficult to obtain in the ICU population, and CIDW diagnosis is complex and not easily performed at the bedside. All of these issues lead to underdiagnosis of CIW and CIDW, which significantly increases the risk of complications and the impact on both short and long term outcomes. Moreover, recent studies have explored promising diagnostic techniques that are may be easily implemented in daily clinical practice. In addition, this review summarizes the latest research aimed at improving how to prevent and treat CIW and CIDW.

SUMMARY

This review aims to clarify some uncertain aspects and provide helpful information on developing monitoring techniques and therapeutic interventions for managing CIW and CIDW.

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness: Recent insights

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is a common complication in critically ill patients and is associated with a variety of adverse outcomes. These include the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation and ICU stay; higher ICU, in-hospital, and 1-year mortality; and increased in-hospital costs. ICU-AW is associated with multiple risk factors including age, underlying disease, severity of illness, organ failure, sepsis, immobilization, receipt of mechanical ventilation, and other factors related to critical care. The pathological mechanism of ICU-AW remains unclear and may be considerably varied. This review aimed to evaluate recent insights into ICU-AW from several aspects including risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment strategies; this provides new perspectives for future research.

Illness Weakness, Polyneuropathy and Myopathy: Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

Severe weakness associated with critical illness (CIW) is common. This narrative review summarizes the latest scientific insights and proposes a guide for clinicians to optimize the diagnosis and management of the CIW during the various stages of the disease from the ICU to the community stage.

MAIN BODY

CIW arises as diffuse, symmetrical weakness after ICU admission, which is an important differentiating factor from other diseases causing non-symmetrical muscle weakness or paralysis. In patients with adequate cognitive function, CIW can be easily diagnosed at the bedside using manual muscle testing, which should be routinely conducted until ICU discharge. In patients with delirium or coma or those with prolonged, severe weakness, specific neurophysiological investigations and, in selected cases, muscle biopsy are recommended. With these exams, CIW can be differentiated into critical illness polyneuropathy or myopathy, which often coexist. On the general ward, CIW is seen in patients with prolonged previous ICU treatment, or in those developing a new sepsis. Respiratory muscle weakness can cause neuromuscular respiratory failure, which needs prompt recognition and rapid treatment to avoid life-threatening situations. Active rehabilitation should be reassessed and tailored to the new patient's condition to reduce the risk of disease progression. CIW is associated with long-term physical, cognitive and mental impairments, which emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary model of care. Follow-up clinics for patients surviving critical illness may serve this purpose by providing direct clinical support to patients, managing referrals to other specialists and general practitioners, and serving as a platform for research to describe the natural history of post-intensive care syndrome and to identify new therapeutic interventions. This surveillance should include an assessment of the activities of daily living, mood, and functional mobility. Finally, nutritional status should be longitudinally assessed in all ICU survivors and incorporated into a patient-centered nutritional approach guided by a dietician.

CONCLUSIONS

Early ICU mobilization combined with the best evidence-based ICU practices can effectively reduce short-term weakness. Multi-professional collaborations are needed to guarantee a multi-dimensional evaluation and unitary community care programs for survivors of critical illnesses.

Effects of melatonin against acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Melatonin is a hormone synthesized by the pineal gland, and has antioxidative effects in reducing acute kidney injury (AKI). In the past three years, an increasing number of studies have evaluated whether melatonin has a protective effect on AKI. The study systematically reviewed and assessed the efficacy and safety of melatonin in preventing AKI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases on February 15, 2023. Eligible records were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The odds ratio and Hedges' gwith the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were selected to evaluate the effects of melatonin on AKI. We pooled extracted data using a fixed- or random-effects model based on a heterogeneity test.

RESULTS

There were five studies (one cohort study and four randomized controlled trials) included in the meta-analysis. Although the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may be significantly improved by melatonin, the incidence of AKI was not significantly decreased in the melatonin group compared with the control group in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the present results do not support a direct effect of melatonin use on the reduction of AKI. More well-designed clinical studies with larger sample size are required in the future.

Critical illness myopathy and trajectory of recovery in acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy: a prospective observational trial protocol

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy (AKI-RRT) is common in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Continuous RRT (CRRT) non-selectively removes large amounts of amino acids from plasma, lowering serum amino acid concentrations and potentially depleting total-body amino acid stores. Therefore, the morbidity and mortality associated with AKI-RRT may be partly mediated through accelerated skeletal muscle atrophy and resulting muscle weakness. However, the impact of AKI-RRT on skeletal muscle mass and function during and following critical illness remains unknown. We hypothesise that patients with AKI-RRT have higher degrees of acute muscle loss than patients without AKI-RRT and that AKI-RRT survivors are less likely to recover muscle mass and function when compared with other ICU survivors.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This protocol describes a prospective, multicentre, observational trial assessing skeletal muscle size, quality and function in ICU patients with AKI-RRT. We will perform musculoskeletal ultrasound to longitudinally evaluate rectus femoris size and quality at baseline (within 48 hours of CRRT initiation), day 3, day 7 or at ICU discharge, at hospital discharge, and 1-3 months postdischarge. Additional skeletal muscle and physical function tests will be performed at hospital discharge and postdischarge follow-up. We will analyse the effect of AKI-RRT by comparing the findings in enrolled subjects to historical controls of critically ill patients without AKI-RRT using multivariable modelling.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

We anticipate our study will reveal that AKI-RRT is associated with greater degrees of muscle loss and dysfunction along with impaired postdischarge recovery of physical function. These findings could impact the in-hospital and postdischarge treatment plan for these patients to include focused attention on muscle strength and function. We intend to disseminate findings to participants, healthcare professionals, the public and other relevant groups via conference presentation and publication without any publication restrictions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05287204.