What this Trial Is About

This research aims to understand the causes of muscle weakness that remains in patients who survive critical illnesses requiring intensive care. It focuses on the role of special muscle cells called satellite cells, which repair damaged muscle. The study explores how critical illness affects these satellite cells and their mitochondria, the parts of the cell responsible for energy production. Researchers will compare these cells during the acute, prolonged, and recovery phases of illness with cells from healthy volunteers undergoing hip surgery to find out why muscle weakness persists and how it relates to muscle mass and strength. The study will involve critically ill patients who need mechanical ventilation and are expected to stay in the ICU for at least 7 days. Muscle biopsies will be taken at the start, after 7 days, and at 6 months to analyze satellite cells and their mitochondria using advanced techniques. Ultrasound will measure muscle mass, and insulin sensitivity will be tested with clamps. The study will also examine how ICU treatments, nutrition, and drugs affect these cells in laboratory tests. A control group of patients having elective hip replacement surgery will provide comparison data. Participants will be assessed through muscle biopsies, ultrasounds, muscle strength tests, and questionnaires about quality of life at three time points: baseline, day 7, and day 180. Blood and urine samples will be collected to study metabolism and muscle breakdown. Muscle power will be measured when patients regain consciousness. Researchers will monitor changes in muscle mass, mitochondrial function, and quality of life over time. The study aims to improve understanding of ICU-acquired muscle weakness and guide future therapies.

Skeletal Muscle Regeneration in Survivors of Critical Illness: How to Prevent Satellite Cell Failure?