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

NCT ID: NCT06697470

Last Updated: 2024-11-20

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Total Enrollment

40 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-10-21

Study Completion Date

2024-11-15

Brief Summary

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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.

Detailed Description

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Muscle wasting and edema are common complications in critically ill patients, particularly those requiring intensive care. The rapid decrease in muscle mass and strength, known as ICU-acquired weakness, affects both peripheral and respiratory muscles, reducing patients' functional capacity in both the short and long term. Early interventions like physical therapy and mobilization have been shown to improve patient outcomes, but there is a need for accurate monitoring of muscle mass and fluid balance during the ICU stay to guide treatment.

This study leverages two complementary measurement techniques: ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Ultrasound allows for the rapid and non-invasive assessment of muscle thickness and subcutaneous tissues. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients in the ICU can lose around 2% of their rectus femoris muscle thickness per day during the first week of their ICU stay. Ultrasound can also assess the structural changes in muscle tissue, such as alterations in echogenicity, that occur due to the inflammatory state of critically ill patients. However, patients undergoing aggressive fluid resuscitation to counteract shock and hypotension may experience fluid overload, which can distort early ultrasound measurements by causing tissue edema.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), on the other hand, is a widely used method for evaluating body composition, particularly in terms of fat-free mass, fat mass, and fluid compartments. In the ICU, BIA is highly sensitive to changes in fluid balance, providing estimates of extracellular and intracellular water. This makes BIA particularly useful for tracking fluid shifts and edema development over time in critically ill patients.

The primary objective of this study is to explore the correlation between daily fluid balance and the changes in muscle thickness and subcutaneous tissue, as measured by ultrasound, and to assess the utility of BIA in evaluating fluid status and estimating the presence of edema. Specifically, the study will address two main research questions: (1) Is there a correlation between fluid balance and muscle thickness or subcutaneous tissue variation during the ICU stay? (2) Can BIA accurately reflect positive fluid balance and help estimate the extent of tissue edema?

The study will also include an exploratory analysis at ICU discharge to determine whether there is a link between the presence of edema and patients' muscle strength. Muscle strength will be assessed using both the MRC-sum score (0-60) and handgrip strength with a Jamar dynamometer. Previous studies have shown that ICU-acquired weakness is associated with poorer long-term outcomes, and this study will explore whether edema contributes to this weakness.

Patients will be recruited according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Upon obtaining consent from the patient or their legal representative, baseline clinical data (age, sex, BMI, reason for ICU admission, comorbidities, and severity scores such as APACHE-2 and SOFA) will be collected. Daily data will include vital signs, ventilatory settings, fluid balance, body weight, and medication details. Ultrasound and BIA measurements will be taken daily, with the patient positioned in a standardized way (supine position with a 30° incline). The ultrasound measurements will focus on the rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and biceps brachii muscles, along with key subcutaneous tissues prone to fluid accumulation. BIA measurements will estimate total body water, extracellular water (ECW), intracellular water (ICW), muscle mass, and fat mass.

At ICU discharge, handgrip strength and MRC-sum score measurements will be performed to assess functional recovery and muscle strength. This study will provide valuable insights into how fluid management and edema contribute to muscle wasting and weakness in critically ill patients, informing future therapeutic strategies.

Conditions

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

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

COHORT

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

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Critically Ill Patients in ICU

This cohort consists of adult patients aged over 18 years who are admitted to the ICU at Epicura Hornu Hospital between October 14, 2024, and November 15, 2024 (to be updated). The study will investigate muscle thickness variations and fluid balance using ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Informed consent will be obtained from the patients or their legal representatives.

Ultrasound and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Muscle Thickness and Fluid Balance Assessment Translation

Intervention Type DEVICE

This intervention involves the use of ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to monitor changes in muscle thickness and assess fluid balance in critically ill patients. Measurements will be taken daily during the patients' ICU stay, with a focus on rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and biceps brachii muscles, as well as total body fluid compartments. The study aims to explore correlations between muscle thickness variations, fluid balance, and patient outcomes.

Interventions

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Ultrasound and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for Muscle Thickness and Fluid Balance Assessment Translation

This intervention involves the use of ultrasound and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to monitor changes in muscle thickness and assess fluid balance in critically ill patients. Measurements will be taken daily during the patients' ICU stay, with a focus on rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, and biceps brachii muscles, as well as total body fluid compartments. The study aims to explore correlations between muscle thickness variations, fluid balance, and patient outcomes.

Intervention Type DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* 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.

Exclusion Criteria

* 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.
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Dr F Duprez

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Dr F Duprez

Physiotherapist / Professor at Provincial High School Condorcet (PhD) & Director of the Unité de recherche et d'innovation Condorcet EpiCURA (URICE)

Responsibility Role SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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Epicura site Hornu

Boussu, Hainaut, Belgium

Site Status RECRUITING

Epicura site Hornu

Boussu, , Belgium

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Belgium

Central Contacts

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Cheryl E HICKMANN, PhD

Role: CONTACT

+32488381526

Frederic Duprez, Phd

Role: CONTACT

0032475857104

Facility Contacts

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Cheryl E Hickmann, PT, PhD

Role: primary

+32488381526

Sarah S Boutoubat, Bachelor (C)

Role: backup

0033661251992

Cheryl E Hickmann, PhD

Role: primary

+32488381526

Frederic Duprez, Phd

Role: backup

0032475857104

Sarah S Boutoubat, Bachelor (C)

Role: backup

References

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Reference Type BACKGROUND
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Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 26211979 (View on PubMed)

Grimm A, Teschner U, Porzelius C, Ludewig K, Zielske J, Witte OW, Brunkhorst FM, Axer H. Muscle ultrasound for early assessment of critical illness neuromyopathy in severe sepsis. Crit Care. 2013 Oct 7;17(5):R227. doi: 10.1186/cc13050.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 24499688 (View on PubMed)

Formenti P, Umbrello M, Coppola S, Froio S, Chiumello D. Clinical review: peripheral muscular ultrasound in the ICU. Ann Intensive Care. 2019 May 17;9(1):57. doi: 10.1186/s13613-019-0531-x.

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Malbrain ML, Huygh J, Dabrowski W, De Waele JJ, Staelens A, Wauters J. The use of bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) to guide fluid management, resuscitation and deresuscitation in critically ill patients: a bench-to-bedside review. Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther. 2014 Nov-Dec;46(5):381-91. doi: 10.5603/AIT.2014.0061.

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PMID: 25432557 (View on PubMed)

Kyle UG, Bosaeus I, De Lorenzo AD, Deurenberg P, Elia M, Manuel Gomez J, Lilienthal Heitmann B, Kent-Smith L, Melchior JC, Pirlich M, Scharfetter H, M W J Schols A, Pichard C; ESPEN. Bioelectrical impedance analysis-part II: utilization in clinical practice. Clin Nutr. 2004 Dec;23(6):1430-53. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2004.09.012.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 15556267 (View on PubMed)

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Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 24108501 (View on PubMed)

Reynolds PM, Stefanos S, MacLaren R. Restrictive resuscitation in patients with sepsis and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Pharmacotherapy. 2023 Feb;43(2):104-114. doi: 10.1002/phar.2764. Epub 2023 Jan 21.

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PMID: 36625778 (View on PubMed)

Murphy CV, Schramm GE, Doherty JA, Reichley RM, Gajic O, Afessa B, Micek ST, Kollef MH. The importance of fluid management in acute lung injury secondary to septic shock. Chest. 2009 Jul;136(1):102-109. doi: 10.1378/chest.08-2706. Epub 2009 Mar 24.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 19318675 (View on PubMed)

Fazzini B, Markl T, Costas C, Blobner M, Schaller SJ, Prowle J, Puthucheary Z, Wackerhage H. The rate and assessment of muscle wasting during critical illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Care. 2023 Jan 3;27(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s13054-022-04253-0.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
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Paolo F, Valentina G, Silvia C, Tommaso P, Elena C, Martin D, Marini John J, Davide C. The possible predictive value of muscle ultrasound in the diagnosis of ICUAW in long-term critically ill patients. J Crit Care. 2022 Oct;71:154104. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2022.154104. Epub 2022 Jul 4.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
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Schweickert WD, Pohlman MC, Pohlman AS, Nigos C, Pawlik AJ, Esbrook CL, Spears L, Miller M, Franczyk M, Deprizio D, Schmidt GA, Bowman A, Barr R, McCallister KE, Hall JB, Kress JP. Early physical and occupational therapy in mechanically ventilated, critically ill patients: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2009 May 30;373(9678):1874-82. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(09)60658-9. Epub 2009 May 14.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
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Parry SM, Puthucheary ZA. The impact of extended bed rest on the musculoskeletal system in the critical care environment. Extrem Physiol Med. 2015 Oct 9;4:16. doi: 10.1186/s13728-015-0036-7. eCollection 2015.

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Latronico N, Rasulo FA, Eikermann M, Piva S. Illness Weakness, Polyneuropathy and Myopathy: Diagnosis, treatment, and long-term outcomes. Crit Care. 2023 Nov 13;27(1):439. doi: 10.1186/s13054-023-04676-3.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 37957759 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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P2024/372

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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