title: [Variation of muscle mass and weight in critical patient].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Quantify the muscle mass and body weight variation in critically ill patients and to identify associated factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive follow-up study. Data for demographic variables, body weight, fluid balance, daily kilocalories, the amount of sedation and muscle relaxants received and motor physiotherapy applied were collected. Three consecutive measurements were performed in the brachial biceps and quadriceps rectus by using ultrasound, upon admission and every 5 days until discharge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  68 patients were included. Average age was of 73.5 [57-78,5] years. The median length of stay was 9.5 [5.5 -15] days. The median 16 (SD=5.7) daily kilocalories per kg/weight, 91.2% received sedation, 44.1% received muscle relaxants and 20% received physiotherapy. The patients presented a muscle wasting of 4.9 (SD=3.9)mm, p <.001 in the brachial biceps and 5.6 (SD=4.8)mm, p <.001 in the quadriceps rectus. Regression analysis selected the length of stay and the muscle relaxants are the most influential variables in the brachial biceps muscle wasting (R2=0.4), and length of stay as the most influential in the quadriceps rectus muscle wasting (R2=0.3). Patient's mean body weight on admission was of 81.1 (SD=15)kg and 81.2 (SD=14.2)kg on discharge, p=.95.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The critically ill patient presents a significant muscle waste related with the length of stay and the treatment received with muscle relaxants. Patients are being discharged with a similar body weight to which they were admitted but with a significant reduction of muscle mass.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario Mútua Terrassa Tarrasa, Barcelona, España. Electronic address: finavalls@gmail.com.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Valls-Matarín
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario Mútua Terrassa Tarrasa, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: del Cotillo-Fuente
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario Mútua Terrassa Tarrasa, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Grané-Mascarell
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario Mútua Terrassa Tarrasa, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Quintana
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001835:Body Weight; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016638:Critical Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology*; D009929:Organ Size; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss
keywords: Atrofia muscular; Critical care; Cuidados intensivos; Equilibrio hidroelectrolítico; Muscle skeletal; Muscular atrophy; Músculo esquelético; Ultrasonido; Ultrasonography; Water electrolyte balance