Body Composition Changes After Critical Illness
Author Information
Author(s): Reid Clare L, Murgatroyd Peter R, Wright Antony, Menon David K
Primary Institution: Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
How does body composition change during recovery from critical illness?
Conclusion
Weight gain after critical illness is mostly due to an increase in fat mass rather than lean tissue.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient lost 11.2 kg during her ICU stay, primarily from lean tissue.
- At 12 months, 73% of the weight gained was due to fat.
- Despite rehabilitation, the patient could not return to full-time work due to fatigue.
Takeaway
After being very sick, people often gain weight, but most of that weight is fat, not muscle. This can make them feel tired and not able to do as much as before.
Methodology
Body composition was assessed using ultrasound, DXA, and air displacement plethysmography at multiple time points after ICU discharge.
Limitations
Results are based on a single case, which may not represent the wider ICU population.
Participant Demographics
A 38-year-old female with a history of neurological issues.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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