Utilizing psoas muscle cross-sectional area to predict functional outcome

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated psoas muscle area (PMA) as a predictor of frailty and functional outcome in trauma patients.

Methods: The cohort included 211 trauma patients admitted to an urban level I trauma center from March 2012 to May 2014 who consented to participate in a longitudinal study and underwent abdominal-pelvic computed tomography scans during their initial evaluation. Physical component scores (PCS) of the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey were administered to assess physical functionality at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. PMA in mm² and Hounsfield units was calculated using the Centricity PACS system. Statistical models were stratified by injury severity score (ISS), <15 or ≥15, and adjusted for age, sex, and baseline PCS. Follow-up PCS were analyzed using general linear regression models.

Results: For participants with an ISS <15, increased PMA was significantly associated with higher PCS at 3 (P = 0.008), 6 (P = 0.02), and 12 months (P = 0.002), although this relationship was not statistically significant for ISS ≥15 (P = 0.85, 0.66, 0.61).

Conclusion: For mild to moderately injured (but not seriously injured) patients, those with larger psoas muscles experience better functional outcomes after injury.

Keywords: Computed tomography; frailty; outcomes; psoas; sarcopenia; trauma.