Prospective Observational Study on Functional Disability and Quality of Life in Patients Recovering From Severe Cardiac or Respiratory Failure Using Mechanical Cardiorespiratory Support

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying patients who have experienced severe cardiac or respiratory failure requiring life support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to understand recovery from intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW). This condition includes muscle and nerve damage that occurs in critically ill patients and can affect physical function and quality of life after hospital treatment. The study aims to identify factors influencing recovery and the impact of ICUAW on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following critical illness. The study observes physical and psychological effects of ICUAW in patients receiving ECMO. Researchers will use ultrasound to measure the size of a leg muscle (Rectus Femoris cross-sectional area) during the first week of admission and at set times later. Muscle strength, physical performance tests, and quality of life questionnaires will be used to see how muscle size relates to recovery. Blood and urine samples will be collected to study molecular and genomic markers, and muscle biopsies may be taken when patients have surgery to start ECMO. Participants will be monitored up to about one year after their illness. Measurements include muscle strength tests, lung function, body composition, and questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, and daily living reintegration. Biological samples will help understand molecular changes. This comprehensive approach aims to connect physical recovery with patient-reported outcomes and biological markers to better understand ICUAW after severe cardiorespiratory failure.

Recovery From ICUAW Following Severe Respiratory and Cardiac Failure