LAUSR

PURPOSE To measure changes in dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) derived body composition in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivors in the year following discharge and compare to population controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using prospective observational data changes in hip and spine DXA estimated lean and fat mass between ICU discharge and 1-year follow-up were calculated and compared with age-sex-height matched controls from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study via multivariable linear regression. RESULTS Sixty-four participants were included, with median age 68.8 yr [IQR 60.8, 74.6], ICU length of stay 6.5 d [IQR 4, 9] and duration of mechanical ventilation 87 h [IQR 47, 143]. ICU survivors demonstrated greater annual increases in lean (+0.92 kg; 95%CI 0.67 to 1.18, p < 0.01) and fat mass (+2.50 kg, 95%CI 1.94 to 3.05; p < 0.01) than controls. At 1-yr follow-up, the ICU group had lower lean mass (-0.96 kg, 95%CI -1.91 to -0.01; p = 0.047) and greater fat mass (6.79 kg, 95%CI 4.55 to 9.03; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients gained lean mass in the year following critical illness but did not reach the level of matched population-based peers. Understanding the factors associated with, and effect of increasing muscle mass and reducing fat mass in the year after critical illness requires further investigation.