J Korean Acad Nurs.  2008 Dec;38(6):874-880. 10.4040/jkan.2008.38.6.874.

Study on the Changes in Limb Circumferences and Muscle Areas of Critically Ill Patients using Ventilators

• Hwang YH
• Choe MA

• KMID: 820142
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2008.38.6.874

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify muscle atrophy in critically ill patients on ventilators. A comparison was made between limb circumferences and muscle areas on the day of admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and on the 8th day after admission. METHODS: The data were collected from 30 critically ill patients using ventilators at S hospital ICU in Seoul during the period from October 2005 to April 2006. Limb circumferences and skinfold thickness were measured on the day of admission and on the 8th day after admission to the ICU. Limb circumferences and skinfold thickness were measured on the right mid-arm, right mid-thigh, and right mid-calf using a measuring tape and a skinfold calipers. Limb muscle areas were calculated by an equation after measuring limb circumferences and skinfold thickness. The data were analyzed by paired t-test and independent t-test. RESULTS: 1) Mid-arm circumference, mid-thigh circumference and mid-calf circumference on the 8th day after admission to the ICU were significantly less than those on the day of admission to the ICU, 2) Mid-arm muscle area, mid-thigh muscle area and mid-calf muscle area on the 8th day after admission to the ICU were significantly less than those on the day of admission to the ICU, 3) Steroid and vecuronium medication didn't affect changes in limb circumferences (mid-arm, mid-thigh, mid-calf) and muscle areas (mid-arm, mid-thigh, mid-calf) on the 8th day after admission to the ICU compared to the day of admission. CONCLUSION: Limb muscle atrophy may occur on the 8th day after admission to the ICU in critically ill patients using ventilator.

Keyword

Muscular atrophy; Ventilators-mechanical; Critically ill patients; Neuromuscular agents; Steroids

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Critical Illness
Data Interpretation, Statistical
Extremities/physiology
Female
Humans
Intensive Care Units
Male
Middle Aged
Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
Muscular Atrophy/*diagnosis/etiology/therapy
Skinfold Thickness
Steroids/administration & dosage
*Ventilators, Mechanical

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