Observing Muscle Thickness Changes Using Ultrasound in Adults With Acute Heart Failure and Cardiogenic Shock

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how skeletal muscle mass changes in patients with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock who undergo advanced treatments like heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device implantation. This observational study aims to understand the timing and extent of muscle loss and how it relates to patient outcomes. It also evaluates the use of bedside ultrasound imaging to monitor muscle mass in hospitalized patients, providing insights into muscle wasting during critical illness. The study uses a BodyMetrix Pro ultrasound device to measure muscle thickness at the lateral thigh and bicep on the dominant or right side. Measurements are taken at baseline after consent, then on days 3 and 7, and weekly thereafter until the patient is discharged or passes away. This schedule repeats after advanced therapies like heart transplantation or device implantation. Each session lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and involves taking multiple images to assess muscle thickness. Participants will be inpatients with advanced cardiomyopathy and cardiogenic shock. Muscle thickness is measured repeatedly during their hospital stay, and results are analyzed to track changes over time and their relation to clinical outcomes. Additional assessments include a nutritional risk index and monitoring of hospital outcomes like mortality and length of stay. This study helps validate ultrasound as a practical tool to assess muscle wasting in this patient group.

Changes in Skeletal Muscle Thickness in Patients With Acute Heart Failure