Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the development of sarcopenia in a COVID-19 intensive care unit population by sequential quadriceps and diaphragm ultrasound and its relationship with hospital outcomes.
Methods: We assessed muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, fascicle length, pennation angle, and echo intensity within 48 h after intubation, at days 5 and 10 and at discharge from the intensive care unit in 30 critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19.
Results: A different evolution of muscle thickness of the diaphragm and m. rectus femoris was observed; the changes between the two muscles were not correlated (Pearson's χ2 3.91, P = 0.419). The difference in muscle thickness was linked to the outcome for both m. rectus femoris and diaphragm, with the best survival seen in the group with stable muscle thickness. The greatest loss of muscle thickness occurred between days 5 and 10. The echo intensity was higher in the patients with increased muscle thickness, who also had a worse prognosis. There was a correlation between cross-sectional area on day 5 and handgrip strength (r = 0.290, P = 0.010). Only 31% of patients were able to return to their preadmission residence without any additional rehabilitation.
Conclusions: Muscle atrophy and decline in muscle strength appear in the earliest stages after admission to the intensive care unit and are related to functional outcome.
Keywords: COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2); Diaphragm ultrasound; Handgrip strength; Muscle ultrasound; Sarcopenia.
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