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Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Muscle mass, strength and functional outcomes in critically ill patients after cardiothoracic surgery: does neuromuscular electrical stimulation help? The Catastim 2 randomized controlled trial

Authors: Arabella Fischer, Matthias Spiegl, Klaus Altmann, Andreas Winkler, Anna Salamon, Michael Themessl-Huber, Mohamed Mouhieddine, Eva Maria Strasser, Arno Schiferer, Tatjana Paternostro-Sluga, Michael Hiesmayr

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 1/2016

Abstract

Background

The effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in critically ill patients after cardiothoracic surgery are unknown. The objectives were to investigate whether NMES prevents loss of muscle layer thickness (MLT) and strength and to observe the time variation of MLT and strength from preoperative day to hospital discharge.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 54 critically ill patients were randomized into four strata based on the SAPS II score. Patients were blinded to the intervention. In the intervention group, quadriceps muscles were electrically stimulated bilaterally from the first postoperative day until ICU discharge for a maximum of 14 days. In the control group, the electrodes were applied, but no electricity was delivered. The primary outcomes were MLT measured by ultrasonography and muscle strength evaluated with the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. The secondary functional outcomes were average mobility level, FIM score, Timed Up and Go Test and SF-12 health survey. Additional variables of interest were grip strength and the relation between fluid balance and MLT. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effect of NMES on MLT, MRC score and grip strength.

Results

NMES had no significant effect on MLT. Patients in the NMES group regained muscle strength 4.5 times faster than patients in the control group. During the first three postoperative days, there was a positive correlation between change in MLT and cumulative fluid balance (r = 0.43, P = 0.01). At hospital discharge, all patients regained preoperative levels of muscle strength, but not of MLT. Patients did not regain their preoperative levels of average mobility (P = 0.04) and FIM score (P = 0.02) at hospital discharge, independent of group allocation.

Conclusions

NMES had no effect on MLT, but was associated with a higher rate in regaining muscle strength during the ICU stay. Regression of intramuscular edema during the ICU stay interfered with measurement of changes in MLT. At hospital discharge patients had regained preoperative levels of muscle strength, but still showed residual functional disability and decreased MLT compared to pre-ICU levels in both groups.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02391103. Registered on 7 March 2015.

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Title: Muscle mass, strength and functional outcomes in critically ill patients after cardiothoracic surgery: does neuromuscular electrical stimulation help? The Catastim 2 randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arabella Fischer
Matthias Spiegl
Klaus Altmann
Andreas Winkler
Anna Salamon
Michael Themessl-Huber
Mohamed Mouhieddine
Eva Maria Strasser
Arno Schiferer
Tatjana Paternostro-Sluga
Michael Hiesmayr
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Critical Care / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-016-1199-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Muscle mass, strength and functional outcomes in critically ill patients after cardiothoracic surgery: does neuromuscular electrical stimulation help? The Catastim 2 randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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