Effect of obesity in critically ill patients; muscle quality as an explanatory outcome for the "obesity paradox"

Rationale: The ‘obesity paradox’ of critical illness refers to better survival with a higher body mass index. Hypercatabolism in the acute phase of the critical illness is presumed to be an adaptive response providing the essential fuel for energy production in vital organs. However, when hypercatabolism persi sts it may result in muscle wasting and weakness. Skeletal muscle quality is recognized as a marker of function in healthy individuals and critically ill patients. By using a novel non-invasive assessment of muscle histology we aim to study muscle quality in obese and non-obese critically ill patien ts.
Source: Clinical Nutrition - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: research